GARY NEVILLE says Manchester United lacked the courage to take on Manchester City in Sunday’s controversial derby.
Manchester United were beaten 2-1 by their neighbours after defensive errors gifted goals to David Silva and Nicolas Otamendi.
Despite being the home side and needing a win to close the gap, United had just 35 per cent of possession with a pass accuracy of 68 per cent as they struggled to get a foothold in the match.
Before the game, Neville had claimed United would attack City after wins over Arsenal and Watford.
But the ex-United defender says he is former club didn’t show the bravery needed to win the game.
He told Sky Sports: “To harp back to Sir Alex Ferguson, he said courage isn’t just getting stuck into tackles and running but showing bravery on the ball.
“I thought they lacked courage on the ball and looked timid, not in the sense of work rate but more belief and that was what cost them.
“Only when Juan Mata played that nice little pass to Anthony Martial, who then set up Romelu Lukaku for his unlucky effort, did we see that bravery on the ball.
“I expected more punch from United. City went to Old Trafford, kept possession and dominated the game – despite the goals being soft and the penalty calls it was domination.”
But Neville does believe Jose Mourinho is moving in the right direction in terms of United’s style despite criticism from Louis van Gaal.
He added: “I’ve only read reports about Louis van Gaal’s quotes on United’s style but my personal view is that the football under Jose Mourinho is going in a better direction.
“Also, in terms of results, Jose has won a European trophy and has the team second in the league, so he’s also more successful.
“United are getting better and there is going to be some patience required. The team he picked for the Manchester derby was positive but I just think they lacked belief.
“I think Jose has done a very good job over the last 18 months but his biggest problem is the way City are playing.”
Source:www.express.co.uk