Gary Neville: 'Man Utd leaders are too naive before Mourinho'
Former Man Utd defender calls on Man Utd to sack Jose Mourinho after losing to Liverpool last night.
"I think Man Utd will sack Mourinho. For me, the best time to do that is at the end of the season," Neville shared onSky Sports"But surprisingly, the board was naive. They extended his contract knowing that Mourinho's cycle usually lasts three years. The third year is always difficult for Mourinho. Then they extended his contract in the middle of the second season and the club no longer had control over him. No one above him could manage him. They didn't know what to do, how to talk to him. They didn't know what he would say in press conferences, and it would cost a fortune to sack Mourinho now."
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Mourinho is under a lot of pressure in his third year leading Man Utd. Photo:Reuters. |
Man Utd were completely outclassed by Liverpool in the 17th round of the Premier League. After allowing Sadio Mane to score, they had a lucky equalizer from Jesse Lingard. However, two goals in the second half from Xherdan Shaqiri made Man Utd lose 1-3.
Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer commented: "At the moment, in the Man Utd squad, only David De Gea is playing to his full potential. They need to change something. The board must either sack the coach, or support him and let him buy the players he wants. There is still a lot to do with that team."
Shearer continued: "The board clearly didn't back Jose in the summer because he had targets and for whatever reason they couldn't bring those players in. This result isn't all Mourinho's fault. I think a lot of the Man Utd players believe they didn't play their best on Sunday."
Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton is not impressed with Mourinho's attitude at the moment. He said: "Every press conference with Mourinho at the moment is like a musical. The key is whether he can get the best out of his players. I think we all know the answer."
Yesterday's defeat left Man Utd 19 points behind Liverpool. With only 26 points after 17 rounds, this is Man Utd's worst start in the Premier League. Former Wales midfielder Robbie Savage commented: "I can't see their tactics, I can't see the direction in their play. I don't know where Man Utd are going under Mourinho. They are too poor, too panicked."