“Shameless”- Simon Jordan slams Gary Neville for ‘absurd’ commentary during Manchester United vs Tottenham
Manchester United’s start to the 2024-25 Premier League campaign has been nothing short of disastrous, with only two wins in their first six games. This disappointing run of form has left the Red Devils sitting in a lowly 13th place on the league table, far from where a club of their stature and expectations should be at this stage of the season. The mounting pressure on manager Erik ten Hag is now impossible to ignore as the team struggles to find any semblance of consistency or identity on the pitch.
The depth of United’s troubles became glaringly evident during their most recent outing, a devastating 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford. It was a result that not only exposed the team’s fragilities but also highlighted the growing divide between the once-great Manchester United and the top teams in the league. The game began with Tottenham asserting themselves early, controlling the tempo and dictating play from the outset. Despite their dominance in possession and chances, Spurs had only Brennan Johnson’s early strike to show for it by halftime, leaving United with a glimmer of hope that they could fight their way back into the game.
However, any hope of a comeback quickly evaporated just before the interval when United captain Bruno Fernandes received a red card for a reckless and poorly timed challenge on Spurs midfielder James Maddison. The dismissal was a massive blow to the home side, leaving them down to ten men and facing an even more daunting task in the second half. The red card marked a turning point in the match, and it became clear that United’s already fragile game plan had completely unraveled.
Tottenham wasted no time in taking full advantage of their numerical superiority. Shortly after the restart, Dejan Kulusevski doubled the visitors’ lead with a clever finish that left United goalkeeper André Onana stranded. As United’s defense continued to crumble, Dominic Solanke added a third goal to Spurs’ tally, driving home the final nail in the coffin and securing an emphatic 3-0 victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side. It was a statement performance from Spurs, who dominated from start to finish, and a humbling one for United, who looked completely out of their depth.
The fallout from the game was swift and severe. Fans, pundits, and former players all voiced their frustrations and concerns over Manchester United’s form. The performance, particularly at Old Trafford, was deemed unacceptable by many. United’s lack of cohesion, tactical discipline, and overall fight were glaring throughout the 90 minutes, and the result reflected a team in disarray.
Among those who voiced their criticism was talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan, who not only lambasted United’s performance but also called out fellow pundit Gary Neville for his exaggerated and hyperbolic commentary during the match. Jordan took issue with Neville’s description of the display, remarking, “People are quick to accuse us of constantly berating Erik ten Hag, but I listened to Gary Neville, and the language he used was absurd. It wasn’t a disgusting performance; it was simply a poor one. There’s no need to sensationalize it.”
While Jordan’s remarks focused on the language used to describe the game, the underlying point remained the same: Manchester United’s performance was far from the level expected of a club with such rich history and high ambitions. And with the pressure mounting on Ten Hag, time is quickly running out for him to turn things around.
Erik ten Hag now finds himself in an increasingly precarious position. After being hired to restore Manchester United to their former glory, the Dutch manager has struggled to implement a consistent and effective style of play. Injuries, underperforming players, and questionable tactical decisions have all contributed to the club’s slow start. The defeat to Tottenham was particularly alarming, as it showcased not only the team’s tactical naivety but also a lack of leadership and fight when things got tough.
Despite having invested heavily in new signings over the summer, United’s squad still appears unbalanced, and many of the players look devoid of confidence. Ten Hag must now quickly find a way to steady the ship, or his tenure at Old Trafford could come to an abrupt end. The next week presents a crucial period for both the manager and the team, as they prepare for two make-or-break fixtures.
First up is a European clash against Porto on Thursday, where Manchester United will need a win to restore some belief and momentum. Following that, they face a tricky Premier League test against Aston Villa on Sunday. Both matches will be critical for Ten Hag’s future, as failure to secure positive results could leave the club with no choice but to consider a change in leadership.
The stakes could not be higher. Another defeat, especially in the Premier League, could prove to be the final straw for Ten Hag, with many already calling for his head. Manchester United have traditionally been patient with their managers, but the growing discontent among the fanbase and increasing scrutiny from the media suggest that time is running out for the Dutchman. If the team continues on its current trajectory, a managerial change could be inevitable.
As the pressure mounts, it’s clear that Manchester United’s season hangs in the balance. The next few games will likely determine not only the fate of Erik ten Hag but also the club’s prospects for the remainder of the season. If the Red Devils can turn things around quickly, they may still salvage their campaign. But if their struggles persist, the club could be headed for another period of turmoil and uncertainty, with a potential managerial shakeup looming on the horizon.
All eyes will be on Old Trafford in the coming days as the football world waits to see whether Manchester United can rise to the challenge or if they will continue their downward spiral.