Manchester United suffering from ‘more problems than solutions’ after defeat by Arsenal, says Gary Neville
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have taken just seven points from their opening six top flight matches
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Your support makes all the difference.Gary Neville believes Manchester United are suffering from “more problems than solutions” after their 1-0 defeat by Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskajer's side, who have frequently swapped systems in recent matches, lacked creative impetus and were on the back foot for large stretches of the game, with Mikel Arteta a clear victor in the tactical battle between managers.
A switch to a diamond formation worked to fantastic effect against RB Leipzig in the Champions League in midweek but failed to fire against Arsenal, and Neville admitted his former side are still clearly lacking balance.
"The performances have been really poor with a real lack or urgency," Neville told Sky Sports. "United thought they'd found the solution to this incredible amount of midfielders they have - six of them - by playing a diamond and trying to get four of them in. Solskjaer thought he'd found the system against RB Leipzig but it's not going to be as easy as that. It's a big pitch at Old Trafford.
"They had no balance, particularly on the right - I never thought Scott McTominay being there worked at all. He did change it at half-time and it was a little better but there's a real problem of confidence and lack of urgency aligned with inconsistency with regards to shape and team selection. It's getting worse, too. Does Edinson Cavani come in? Does Donny van de Beek come in? Where does Pogba play? Do you need McTominay and Fred both in there because they seem to win the ball back? It's creating more confusion."
Despite their brilliant form in Europe, United have endured a bitterly disappointing start to the Premier League season, currently sitting 15th in the table with just seven points from their opening six games.
"They are in a desperate position - nine points off the top - and Ole couldn't really afford a bad start in the league," Neville added.
"I don't think anyone expected him to get a league title this season but to fall behind so much, so early just puts pressure on. Only the Champions League performances have provided some sunshine."
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