Gary Neville blasts Man United as ‘the worst pound-for-pound workforce within the nation’ as Ruben Amorim’s aspect are mauled by Newcastle within the first half at Old Trafford

Gary Neville has blasted Manchester United as ‘the worst pound-for-pound football club in the country’ following their woeful first half against Newcastle.

United went into the game in 14th place in the Premier League and they made a woeful start at Old Trafford as Alexander Isak put Newcastle ahead after just four minutes.

There was further misery to come for United as Joelinton made it 2-0 to the visitors in the 19th minute, and that was how it stayed as the visitors saw out a deserved win.

Speaking on Sky Sports in the first half, Neville said: ‘You are watching the worst pound-for-pound football club in the country. They are that bad.’ 

United boss Ruben Amorim reacted by substituting forward Joshua Zirkzee after just 33 minutes, with Kobbie Mainoo replacing him.

The decision to withdraw the Dutch forward was widely cheered inside Old Trafford and Zirkzee initially went down the tunnel before returning. 

Gary Neville has blasted Manchester United as ‘the worst pound-for-pound football club in the country’

Ruben Amorim’s side found themselves 2-0 down after just 19 minutes against Newcastle

Amorim reacted by withdrawing forward Joshua Zirkzee with just 33 minutes played

Defeat consigned United to a fifth loss in December alone, the first time that has happened since 1962. 

Amorim’s side are 14th in the Premier League, seven points above the relegation zone and 10 points adrift of Newcastle in fifth following their third straight league defeat.

The challenges keep on coming for the Portuguese and his struggling players as they visit runaway league leaders Liverpool on Sunday. 

It has been a woeful season for United so far, with the appointment of Amorim having not yet had the desired effect. 

After he succeeded Erik ten Hag there was much excitement at United when Amorim was appointed.

However, Amorim went into the game against Newcastle with a mixed record of four wins, one draw and five defeats in ten matches.

Many United players have underperformed this season, with it being clear that the squad is in need of an overhaul.

The January transfer window could represent a chance for United to improve their squad.

Former United defender Neville didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Red Devils

There is much work for Amorim to do and there also remains uncertainty over the future of Marcus Rashford, despite the forward having returned to the matchday squad against Newcastle.

Rashford had been left out by Amorim for United’s previous four games and was not brought on by Amorim in the defeat by the Magpies.