Gary Neville slams Manchester United after own‑goal fiasco

Gary Neville, in his Sky Sports commentary, lambasted Manchester United for a disastrous second half against Fulham, including an own goal by Lisandro Martinez. Neville described the performance as the worst he’d seen in 46 years and urged the team to regain urgency. United managed to equalise late…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sun, 20 Sep 2026 19:00:58 GMT

In a Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, Manchester United suffered a humiliating defeat to Fulham, with former United right‑back Gary Neville taking the opportunity to berate the Red Devils for a second‑half collapse that included a bizarre own goal. Neville’s commentary, delivered live on Sky Sports, was a scathing critique of United’s lack of effort and urgency, which he said was the worst 15 minutes he had witnessed in 46 years of watching the club.

Unraveling at the Half‑Time Break

United entered the break with a 0‑0 draw, but the second half saw a dramatic shift. The visitors’ defence, led by Lisandro Martinez, appeared disorganised and sluggish, allowing Fulham to exploit gaps and create chances. The turning point came when Martinez inadvertently headed the ball into his own net after a mis‑pass from Kobbie Mainoo, giving Fulham a 1‑0 lead. Neville described the sequence as “comical” and “a real mess,” noting that the ball bounced off Martinez’s foot before finding the back of the net.

Gary Neville’s Rant

During the live broadcast, Neville was unreserved in his criticism. He accused the United players of “walking for 15 minutes” and lacking the effort expected from a top‑flight side. “I’ve watched Manchester United since the age of five and that’s the worst 15 minutes I’ve ever seen them play,” he said. Neville went on to suggest that the team’s lack of urgency was a sign of fear or complacency, and that manager Michael Carrick would need to address the underlying issues immediately. He added that the players had “been mannequins” on the pitch, lacking alertness and liveliness.

Impact on the Game and the Team

United’s dismal performance was not limited to the own goal. The team struggled to maintain possession and failed to create meaningful chances. Their inability to press or defend effectively left Fulham with space to operate, and the visitors capitalised on the disarray. Despite the setback, United fought back in the final minutes. Matheus Cunha, who had been involved in the own‑goal incident, managed to level the score with a deflected shot in the 90th minute, giving the home side a 1‑1 draw.

Future Implications for Manchester United

The criticism from a respected former player like Neville adds to the mounting pressure on Michael Carrick, who has already faced scrutiny over United’s inconsistent form. The match’s outcome and the subsequent comments highlight a need for a tactical overhaul and a renewed emphasis on fitness and mental resilience. With the Premier League campaign still in its early stages, the Red Devils must address these issues quickly to avoid further disappointments.

As the team reflects on the loss, the focus will likely shift to improving defensive solidity, maintaining high energy levels throughout matches, and ensuring that players remain motivated even when the game is not going their way. The own goal and the subsequent criticism serve as a stark reminder that complacency can cost valuable points in a fiercely competitive league.

In the weeks ahead, United’s next fixtures will test whether the lessons learned from this defeat translate into improved performances. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the club can regain its former momentum and avoid the pitfalls that led to the “worst 15 minutes” Neville described.

For now, the match stands as a cautionary tale of how quickly a team can fall apart when confidence and urgency wane, and how the voices of former legends can amplify the urgency for change.

While the final score was a 1‑1 draw, the real takeaway for Manchester United is the urgent need to rebuild confidence, tighten defensive organization, and restore the high standards that fans expect from a club of their stature.

Key facts

Gary Neville’s harsh criticism of United’s second half
Lisandro Martinez’s own goal gave Fulham an early lead
United’s lack of urgency and effort was a major concern
Matheus Cunha’s late equaliser salvaged a point
The incident adds pressure on manager Michael Carrick

Why it matters

The match highlighted significant defensive lapses and a lack of urgency that could jeopardise Manchester United’s title hopes, underscoring the need for immediate tactical adjustments.