Manchester United Clinch Narrow Victory But Neville Raises Concerns

Manchester United started their Premier League season with a 1-0 win against Fulham, thanks to Joshua Zirkzee's late goal. Despite the victory, Gary Neville highlighted issues regarding the team’s performance and lack of a consistent style under coach Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United kicked off their Premier League campaign on Friday with a narrow 1-0 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford, courtesy of a late goal by new signing Joshua Zirkzee. Despite the winning start, former United defender Gary Neville expressed concerns about the team's performance and style of play under head coach Erik ten Hag.

Speaking on Sky Sports Football, Neville remarked, "It was steady and unspectacular." He emphasized that United struggled to find their rhythm for much of the game.

"They had to win and it didn't look like they were going to for large parts of that game," Neville commented, highlighting the tense atmosphere as the game progressed. Neville also underscored the importance of the clean sheet, noting that defensively, the team looks more solid compared to last season.

"It was critical that they won and the clean sheet was important. Defensively they will be better than they were last season and the squad looks bigger and thicker," he observed. However, Neville raised concerns about the lack of a clear identity and consistent style of play, issues that plagued the team throughout the previous season.

"What Manchester United were crying out for all last season was a pattern, or a style of play to develop whereby you knew there was consistency. I don't think we're ever going to see a proper Manchester United team until we see that," he added, indicating that these challenges remain unresolved under Ten Hag. Despite these criticisms, Neville found some positives in the performance, particularly the impact of Zirkzee, who stepped in for the injured Rasmus Hojlund.

"For Zirkzee to come on and score the winner, to have that sort of presence to replace Rasmus Hojlund when he's not fit was important," Neville noted. While the win offers a promising start to the season, Neville's comments suggest that Manchester United still has work to do to develop a consistent and recognizable style of play under Ten Hag.

(With inputs from agencies.)