The Red Devils played out a dull 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at the weekend, leaving the former right-back searching for answers
Gary Neville believes Jose Mourinho will be confused by Manchester United's inconsistency this season.
The Red Devils played out a dour 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace at the weekend, leaving them seventh in the Premier League, 14 points behind leaders Manchester City.
There have been highs this season, however, with a 2-1 win over Juventus in Italy seen as a potential turning point in the Portuguese's reign, though that was followed by a meek surrender against Pep Guardiola's side, as they lost 3-1.
Former United right-back Neville, thus, believes that Mourinho will be "scratching his head" as he looks to turn the club's fortunes around.
"They're inconsistent, not just in games, but from half to half within games," he said on his own podcast, per Sky Sports.
"It's not right obviously at this moment in time, the players are not performing anywhere near their level.
"You'd argue Jose at this moment in time will be scratching his head about which players to put out on the pitch.
"But he's made changes before and it hasn't really made any difference so it's just about battling and fighting away at it, because it is a struggle. I think that's the word to describe it."
United are now seven points off the top four, which comprises City, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea, and Neville believes Mourinho can only prioritise qualification for the Champions League at this point in time.
"I didn't go to Old Trafford but I spoke to people who did. There's a lethargy, in terms of the fans going into the ground, watching the game, players on the pitch," he said.
"I think Jose gave the right message before the game saying they will end up in the top four. I don't think it would have been acceptable at the start of the season, and certainly the start of last season, to say the top four is achievable, because he will have wanted to challenge for the title with the money that has been spent. That's where United need to be.
"But they're not near that level at this moment in time, and it typifies really what they are at the moment, which is inconsistent. You can see them go away to Chelsea and nearly win, go away to Watford and Young Boys, and sometimes you can watch them at home against Wolves or Crystal Palace or Valencia, and they're nowhere near."
Vincenter
230
Jose would have won the league with the players Pep inherited, he wouldn't have got fourth like Pep did.
herrlishr
137
I think if you swapped manager around then there's a very good chance Man United are the ones that have won the title last season rather than City. If you just take Man United and Guardiola out of the picture then sure Mourinho probably would have won the league, but that's removing the main competition and leaving City as by far the biggest spenders.
ObinnaK
129
Although Manchester United is in a crisis now, the old players of the club need to stop making noise continuously. It is only adding fuel to the already existing fire. Neville, Scholes and the others should leave United and Mourinho to get their act together
TanIsRed
99
Yes Neville is right Mourn still scratching his head but with the sack from Chelsea.. How can players perform when manager goes to media to criticize them.. As being professional he should sort out the issue themselves in the dressing room or during a meeting.. The way Mourn is doing is wrong as he has to understand football game has changed as well the players.. As well Mourn doesn't know what needed to be fixed and he is spending crazy and as well stupid Woodward isn't giving the money when it's needed.. My question is if we fans can understand what the club needs why not the management ? My points: 1.Then again I'm telling you we need a good manager who understand the club, the game and can bring out the best from his players.. 2. As far as I can see young isn't a good leader nor Valencia is, we need a dynamic leader like Ferdinand, Ibra, Rooney, Carrick and Vidic who can boost up the squad in the field.. Maybe that can be fill up by giving the armband to Mata or Pogba for now.. 3. We need good partnership like Rooney and CR7 or well finisher like Chicharito who can come from the bench and score goals.. 4. We need striker like Ibra, RVP, Ole gunnar, RVN, CR7, Rooney, Andy Cole, Berbatov, Chicharito, Eric Cantona.. 5. Playmakers like Carrick, CR7, Rooney, Robson, Scholes.. Let's hope that Mourn will shape up the squad sooner than later.. Glory glory man United as the Reds go marching on
snookera
64
He had complete backing the first two season. It's not board fault he waste it on players and then bench them and demand more.