Gary Neville’s Scathing Criticism of Manchester United’s Management
Gary Neville, the former Manchester United defender and eight-time Premier League winner, has unleashed a scathing critique of the club’s management, branding it an "absolute s***fest." Manchester United’s current standing in the Premier League, 15th place with 12 losses in 27 games, has been a cause of significant concern. The club’s off-pitch performance has been even more dismal, with mounting financial issues and controversial decisions. Since the Glazers took over 20 years ago, the club’s cumulative debt has ballooned to £1 billion. In a recent episode of Stick To Football*, Neville, now 50, laid bare the depth of the club’s problems, which he believes have been years in the making.
Financial Woes and Desperate Measures
The club’s financial troubles are stark and multifaceted. Manchester United has announced the layoff of up to 200 more staff, following the dismissal of 250 employees last summer. The 2025 Q2 financial report revealed that the Glazers’ 20-year tenure has left the club with a staggering £1 billion in net debt. The financial strain has led to a series of desperate measures, including the closure of the staff canteen, cancellation of charitable donations, and a £66 flat rate for concession tickets, which have all been met with public backlash. The decision to sack Erik ten Hag, his staff, and Dan Ashworth for £14.5 million has further fueled criticism. Neville remarked, "The club has run out of cash. What you now see are desperate decisions. Some of them I think are needed, some are bad. You don’t remove food off people at Old Trafford, you don’t take £40K off the ex-players."
Mismanagement and Decline
The current state of Manchester United is a culmination of years of mismanagement. Neville pointed out, "It was a car crash waiting to happen. The club’s finances are shot, absolutely shot to pieces. The debt, the reckless recruitment, the increase in staff from 600 up to 1,200, which is just unbelievable, the lack of Champions League football, which is £30, 40, 50 million a year, it’s an absolute mess." The club’s decline is evident in its performance, cash flow, and profitability. From a profit of £350 million in 2018, the club has lost £300 million in the past three years. Neville added, "Man United used to be the most profitable football club. From that point on now, I think (Ratcliffe’s) Ineos put in £300m and there’s not much of that left."
Controversial Decisions and Public Backlash
The club’s recent decisions have not only been financially driven but have also been highly controversial. The closure of the staff canteen and the cancellation of charitable donations have been particularly unpopular. The increase in concession ticket prices to a £66 flat rate has further alienated the fan base. Neville emphasized, "You don’t take these kinds of measures unless you’re in desperate straits. Some of these decisions are necessary, but they are bad for morale and public perception." The sacking of Dan Ashworth after just three months, after an eight-month chase, has been highlighted as a particularly poor decision, costing the club £4 million. These actions have only added to the club’s image problem and have been widely criticized.
Roy Keane’s Explosive Rant
Roy Keane, another Manchester United legend, has also joined the chorus of criticism. In an explosive rant, Keane lambasted the players, particularly club captain Bruno Fernandes. Keane said, "You go back to the recruitment and the team. Show a bit of fight, a bit of speed, a bit of quality in your play. They draw at Everton and it’s like they’ve won the cup. It’s fing bizarre. Even the fans. I see fans at matches, and they sing for Bruno [Fernandes]. I see these boys, I think they’re fing imposters." Keane’s anger is not just directed at the players but at the overall atmosphere surrounding the club, which he believes lacks the drive and quality that once defined Manchester United.
Recent Performance and Future Outlook
Despite the ongoing turmoil, Manchester United managed to secure a narrow 3-2 win over Ipswich at Old Trafford, despite being down to ten men for the entire second half after Patrick Dorgu was sent off. This win saw the club move from 15th to 14th place, with 33 points, the same as Tottenham and West Ham, who are above and below them due to goal difference. The victory, while crucial, is a small consolation in the broader context of the club’s struggles. The Red Devils face Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round in their next game, providing an opportunity to continue their push for survival and redemption. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, and the club will need to address its deep-rooted issues to reclaim its former glory.
