Gary Neville says Manchester United are stuck in a rut and that a difficult run of fixtures ahead makes for “really worrying” times at Old Trafford.
Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Chelsea extended United's winless run to nine games in all competitions - their longest since 1984 - and puts them at risk of falling into the relegation zone before the next international break.
Head coach Michael Carrick said after the loss at Chelsea that he expects to remain in charge for Tuesday night's Champions League visit of Roma.
Describing United's current predicament, Neville said: "It's very difficult. It feels like the club is stuck in a rut. It's stuck in a rut in terms of results, it's now nine without a win, which is obviously a really horrible run to be in at any point.
"People will talk about the first half (against Chelsea) and say that there were some good things, and there were. But when things aren't going your way, you've got to be able to dig in.
"You've got to keep your discipline and you've got be able to get through points in a game when your opponents are doing quite well - and Manchester United can't do that right now.
"As soon as they go a goal down they fall to pieces.
"I don't think it's at that stage (where Manchester United are in a relegation battle). I don't think they will end up there, but it's a worry. It's a real depression of results, a depression of performances.
"And they've got difficult games coming up.
"Any team that is organised, that's got a combination or two about them, will cause Manchester United problems.
"Roma could do that on Tuesday, Aston Villa next weekend are very organised, [they] know how to play. After that, they come to Anfield.
"There are a lot of big games in front for Manchester United in these next few weeks, but it's really worrying."
Nev: If I played like Martinez, I'd be curled up in a ball
Neville explained he is distinctly unimpressed by Lisandro Martinez's performances. Martinez was sent off in the loss at Stamford Bridge on just his second start since his extraordinary criticism of the club's hierarchy.
"Lisandro Martinez? That's what I expect from him, to be honest with you," Neville said.
"I said the other week - and you've got to respect hat he is a World Cup winner - but every time I watch him for Manchester United he is at fault for a goal.
"He was at fault for two yesterday. The first goal is solely on him.
If I was giving away the goals that he is giving away, I wouldn't be doing interviews. And to be fair, I wouldn't be speaking out, because I have to say, I would be curled up in a ball, playing like that for Manchester United.
"We all give goals away as defenders, but the quantity of goals he gives away is remarkable. And that defence is nowhere near good enough and it falls apart every time it is put under big pressure."
Man Utd's next six fixtures
Roma (H) - Champions League - Tuesday
Aston Villa (H) - Premier League - Sunday November 8, live on Sky Sports
Liverpool (A) - Premier League - Sunday November 22, live on Sky Sports
Sporting (A) - Champions League - Wednesday November 25
Brentford (H) - Premier League - Saturday November 28
Newcastle (A) - Premier League - Wednesday December 2, live on Sky Sports
wuwclosuz
0
remember what ronaldo said
Yicbikmnsz
0
Carrick and his coaching staff are the problem as well why do they leave DE LIGT on bench for 90 mins while he is physically fit 🤔 😳
Yitabepru
0
We need Antonio Conte please
Yitabepru
0
👹👹Carrick out
Yitabepru
1
Carrick out Antonio Conte in
Yitabepru
0
No fast Sack Carrick he is not well experienced see how he started the season rotating all the team in different numbers . That was the sin of a Usless coach we have that is Carrick. Carrick can’t adapt quickly please no matter what .Sack Carrick he is totally Usless . Bring Antonio Conte we will mantain our Champions league and we can Compete for the Trophies
Tobbclnpry
0
should hire another manager so that both manager can rotate when things go wrong
Fetcimpstu
1
UNITED PROBLEM WAS THEY FAILED TO SIGN WORLD CLASS CB ,,DM AND LB SINCE SAF RETIRED,,they only focus on attack,,,
bwalyaalfred024
0
when they sack Carrick, Gary Neville should considered same thing for Liverpool to consider Gallagher I wanna test something
Zaabilpuz
0
sell Bruno Fernandez, he is the traitor,also let go Martinez & Harry Maguire, mount, rashford
Ranarsu
1
Blame the owners for doing nothing backing the team with more signings the above leadership is a very big problem and not Martinez you can this player he is talented and will play on another team but if you don’t buy the right players you keep blaming those who speaks for the club.
Pazabdkmpz
2
The hypocrite English media will never criticize Carrick if he was a different nationality by this time they will be advocating for his sack.
yodcdeios
1
Don't only talk about Martinez what about your countryman Maguire's performance very pathetic and non of them are talking about him, let me that the performance of our defenders especially the central defenders Maguire and Martinez let the team down for many seasons and what most of these defenders are still doing at Man U is mystery to most people bcoz the whole of that backline can't play in any of the other EPL teams except at Man U where they tolerate mediocrity how on earth they ended up paying 80 milion for Maguire is shocking it goes to show that our Director of football isn't good enough and in face of what is going right now he needs to go
nuzamoprs
0
Don't expect any comments from United fans this time around. We have reached a conclusion that it has become necessary for the team to go on relegation to allow the current owners to leave us alone. We have console ourselves already.
taucdmny
1
you are the problem
jitabdipsz
2
Currently there is no team in premier league that can not beat Manchester united , they are now at the lowest of everything in regard to football.