Manchester United sank to 16th place in the Premier League table after suffering a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026, leaving the club just one point above the relegation zone. The loss extended the team’s winless run across all competitions to eight matches, amplifying the pressure on manager Michael Carrick and prompting fierce criticism from former club captain Gary Neville.
Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast and reported by detikSport, Neville asserted that certain players had been manipulating the manager for months.
The players have played him, haven’t they? They’ve conned him for a few months. Yes, they really have conned him,
Neville stated, adding that while Carrick maintains professional class in public, the manager feels profound disgust toward elements within the squad.
"They weren't singing for Bruno Fernandes to come on today"Gary Neville says the Manchester United fans are backing Michael Carrick 🔴 pic.twitter.com/3HtbaKfI2s
Old Trafford Crowd Reacts to Michael Carrick and the Squad
The atmosphere inside Old Trafford on Sunday evening shifted dramatically at the final whistle. According to reporting by Kompas, home supporters directed contrasting reactions toward the manager and the players as the team trudged off the pitch following the three-goal setback. Fans in the Stretford End sang in support of Carrick as he walked around the perimeter to acknowledge the crowd, maintaining their chants until he disappeared down the tunnel.
However, the moment the manager cleared the pitch, the mood turned hostile. CNN Indonesia noted that the applause instantly morphed into heavy jeering directed at senior figures such as Harry Maguire and their teammates trailing behind. The defeat compounded a miserable week following a 4-1 loss to Como in the UEFA Champions League, leaving the squad completely unable to arrest its downward spiral.
Emotional exit by Michael Carrick as fans sing his name. A farewell?Supporters turn on players once Carrick down tunnel.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/WLYqqHg6vF
Defensive Blunders Hand Bournemouth Three Points at Old Trafford
Bournemouth capitalized ruthlessly on defensive fragility to secure the victory in Manchester. Tribratanews reported that Eddie Howe’s side executed their game plan with clinical efficiency, punishing every lapse in concentration from the hosts. Rayan opened the scoring with a 38th-minute header following a dead-ball situation conceded by Ayden Heaven, according to match breakdowns from CNN Indonesia and Kompas.id.
Just five minutes later, Marcus Tavernier doubled the visitor’s advantage after central defender Lenny Yoro slipped inside the penalty area. The defensive nightmare concluded in the 71st minute when striker Evanilson punished a communication breakdown involving Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The 3-0 scoreline lifted Bournemouth to 13th place with nine points, while Manchester United slumped to 16th with only seven points from eight matches.
Gary Neville Slams Professional Standards Within Manchester United Squad
Beyond tactical failings, Neville launched a blistering attack on the lifestyle and professionalism of several members of the squad. Drawing on his local knowledge living in Manchester, the former England international claimed certain players fail to observe basic professional disciplines required at the elite level.
Some of them are not professional enough. I live in Manchester and I know there are some players who do not behave professionally. Because of that, I cannot tolerate them,
Neville said, as detailed by detikSport. He alleged that players frequently fail to secure proper rest, neglect nutritional discipline, and lack total dedication to the club, blaming their oversized egos for the team’s dismal standing.
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