Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has criticised four senior players in the squad, insisting they must raise their performance levels.

Neville pointed to the spine of the team, saying the experienced players should be doing more to stabilise the side and lead by example, especially after their run of three straight wins ended with a 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest.

Speaking on a football talk show, he said:

“Up front, they haven’t got the experience. But to me, that spine of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Maguire and De Ligt is ageing, but should be doing a lot better at holding it all together than they do.”

Neville compared Manchester United’s situation to rivals Liverpool, highlighting their strong core and organisation as the foundation of their consistent performances:

“That’s why I think Liverpool are good — they’ve got Alisson, Van Dijk, Mac Allister, Gravenberch in midfield, and the centre-forwards they have.”