Gary Neville says Man Utd defensive trio not good enough to win league

“They don’t move their feet three, four, five yards. They never do and they have to do it. If they don’t start doing it, they’re never going to get to a point where they’re going to win the league.”

More dropped points from Manchester United at relegation-battling West Brom on Sunday has seen Gary Neville reiterate his belief that his old club’s defensive frailties mean they cannot win the Premier League title.

United fell behind in the opening minutes at the Hawthorns, when Victor Lindelof was outmuscled by Mbaye Diagne. Despite Harry Maguire stating afterwards that he believed Lindelof had been fouled, the goal was allowed to stand. Bruno Fernandes drew United level before half-time, but they couldn’t convert their dominance of possession into any more goals and were in some ways fortunate that West Brom didn’t capitalise on two more lapses at the back as time ticked away.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Neville questioned the partnership between Maguire and Lindelof and the form of David De Gea.

“I don’t think the discussions we’re having now are anything new,” he said. “We said at the start of the season that Manchester United needed a centre-back, and that there were question marks over the goalkeeper.

“If you look at the goal against West Brom, it’s not going to take those feelings away. They were taken back into the box with Diagne fighting with Lindelof, and West Brom keep the ball alive. Sam Allardyce will have worked on this all week.

“He’d have worked on positions in wide areas, and both Maguire and Lindelof don’t shift up. They don’t move their feet three, four, five yards. They never do and they have to do it. If they don’t start doing it, they’re never going to get to a point where they’re going to win the league.

“Going back 10 years it was the same – you’ve got to be aggressive in getting out your box. What happens is Lindelof gets pinned. He got pinned by a player who’s stronger than him, who outmuscles him and who bullies him. Once you’re in that position, it’s a nightmare.”

West Brom are off to a flying start! 🛫

Diagne puts the Baggies ahead within the first 90 seconds. In the words of @gnev2 he 'mauls' Lindelof!

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Neville also strongly denied the suggestion that Diagne fouled Lindelof in the process of scoring the goal.

“There will be people who will say it’s a foul. It’s never a foul. It’s never a foul at all. It’s a brilliant header. Lindelof is too deep and is outmuscled. He’s fighting with the striker.