Gary Neville has launched a scathing criticism of Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu following the club’s dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton on Sunday afternoon.
“You Can’t Change Your Back Four” – Neville Slams Dorgu and Carrick After United Stalemate
The former United captain singled out Dorgu for a “stupid” decision during the build-up to Ainsley Maitland-Niles’ stunning last-minute equaliser at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Bryan Mbeumo initially put the visitors ahead before Tyrique George restored parity, while Benjamin Sesko came off the bench to score his first goal of the season.
However, United’s defensive frailties surfaced again as Maitland-Niles snatched a point for Everton on his debut.
Neville, speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, pinpointed Dorgu’s ill-advised press as the catalyst for Everton’s equaliser.
The Danish full-back, introduced as a second-half substitute, sprinted out of position in an isolated press, leaving space for Everton to exploit down the left flank.
“Dorgu for some reason chases out and presses – isolated press,” Neville explained.
“It just gets played past him. It strikes me as massive miscommunication.”
The United legend expressed particular frustration with the defensive disorganisation in the closing minutes.
“Forget the goal because that is a special strike, but there is a lot that happens before that ball goes in the back of Manchester United’s net,” he said.
“You’ve got to push up and make sure you’ve not got players sprinting off and doing stupid things. Dorgu sprints off and the ball goes past him, Everton drift down the left so easily.”
Neville also questioned manager Michael Carrick’s decision to make multiple defensive changes during the match, with both full-backs replaced as Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot came off.
“You can’t be changing your back four,” Neville insisted.
“Manchester United have got a back four of Shaw, Dalot, Maguire and Lisandro Martinez and they’ve not got much behind that.”
The former captain warned that the constant tinkering with the defensive line has become a significant concern for the club, suggesting Carrick must reconsider his in-game substitutions to maintain defensive stability.
