Gary Neville has voiced his concerns over Manchester United's defensive performance after they were held to a 2-2 draw by Everton. Michael Carrick's side has now shipped two goals in every match of the new Premier League season.
United took the lead twice in the second half with goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, but Everton fought back on both occasions, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles netting the equaliser with practically the last kick of the game.
Speaking on a Sky Sports podcast, Neville remarked:
“Manchester United are conceding two goals a game. You can’t afford to concede two goals every match.”
The goal from Maitland-Niles was particularly disappointing for United. He made a poor decision to press alone, and the ball was played past him - that’s a massive error and shows a lack of communication.”
The former United defender believes the issues may now be psychological, with opponents feeling they can exploit vulnerabilities in the United defence:
“Teams feel they have a chance against them. They know they can score. Being in that situation is dreadful.”
Neville fears that rectifying these issues will not be an easy task for Carrick:
“They have a problem with conceding goals, and it isn’t going away. That’s what worries me. These goals conceded will haunt them.”
The next match in the Premier League will present a stern test for Manchester United's defence, as Carrick's side prepares to host their fierce rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
