Sport

Gary Neville Rips Luke Shaw After Disastrous Performance in Manchester Derby

2025-09-15

Author: Yu

In a brutal dissection following Manchester United's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City, Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville didn't hold back when critiquing Luke Shaw's performance. This match marked another significant setback for United in the ongoing 2025-26 Premier League season.

The first Manchester derby of the season saw City emerging victorious, with Phil Foden breaking the deadlock in the first half. Dominating the game, City never looked back, as Erling Haaland completed the rout with two stunning goals shortly after the break.

A Reality Check for Luke Shaw

Neville, reflecting on the match, offered a stark reality check for the seasoned defender. Shaw started for United, playing in a three-man backline, but his display left much to be desired.

The former United star stated on Sky Sports, "There were a lot of individual errors out there today. Luke Shaw had one of the worst games I have seen him have. All three goals he could have done better." This harsh critique underscores how far the England international has fallen in form.

Tactical Woes and Defensive Lapses

Manager Ruben Amorim's tactical setup, which has seen Shaw utilized as a left-sided center-back, has only highlighted the defender's vulnerabilities. On Sunday, Shaw was repeatedly exposed, particularly by City's pacey players.

During Foden's opening goal, Shaw failed to intercept a crucial play from Jeremy Doku, leaving United vulnerable. The second half brought even more disappointment for the left-back, as he neglected to track Haaland, leading to another scoring opportunity.

As City celebrated their victory, questions about Manchester United’s defensive strategy and individual player performances, especially Shaw's, loom large. With the season still young, can Shaw bounce back from this all-time low and reclaim his spot as a pivotal player for the Red Devils?