Ruben Amorim Fires back at Gary Nivelle

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a sharp response to Gary Neville’s relentless critiques, notably after the Red Devils’ drab 0-0 draw with Manchester City in the latest derby.

The Portuguese coach dismissed Neville’s complaints about the match’s lack of intensity, framing them as part of a broader pattern of negativity from the former United captain.

Sunday’s Manchester derby at Old Trafford ended in a goalless stalemate, marking the first such result in five years.

Both teams struggled to create meaningful chances, with Neville lambasting the game as “robotic” and lacking the “blood and thunder” of historic clashes.

He accused players of treating the match like a “Sunday afternoon roast dinner” rather than a high-stakes rivalry, criticizing their post-match camaraderie as a “love-in”.

Amorim, however, defended the performance by emphasizing the context of United’s tumultuous season.

The club sits 13th in the Premier League, on track for its worst-ever finish, while City who are usually title contenders these past seasons are fifth and struggling.

Amorim argued that neither side is competing for trophies, which inherently dampens the spectacle: “We are not in the best moments to give the best spectacle to every fan. When you’re not fighting for big things, it’s different. You have to look at the context”.

When asked about Neville’s remarks, Amorim fired back with a thinly veiled jab: “I understand everything. I understand that Gary Neville is critical about everything, so I understand that part” .

The manager acknowledged the validity of critiques about United’s lack of goals, a recurring issue this season, but stressed the challenges of rebuilding mid-campaign.

He also hinted at long-term plans, insisting next season will be “so much different” once the team addresses recruitment and fitness issues.