Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville voiced his clear frustration and confusion at Manchester United's tactical approach during their Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers on Tuesday night.
The former United captain, commentating on the game, repeatedly insisted the team's setup "wasn't right" as manager Ruben Amorim made significant changes to his starting eleven and formation.
Amorim's Tactical Shuffle Baffles Neville
After switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation for the Boxing Day victory over Newcastle United—a first such change in his 13-month tenure—Amorim reverted to his more familiar 3-4-3 system against Wolves. This decision came despite missing key players like Bruno Fernandes through injury and Bryan Mbeumo and Amad due to AFCON duty.
The alterations saw Joshua Zirkzee start in place of the injured Mason Mount, while personnel were deployed in unfamiliar roles. Patrick Dorgu, who scored the winner as a right winger against Newcastle, was moved to left-back. Luke Shaw returned to left-back after featuring regularly at left centre-back, and Diogo Dalot operated as a right wing-back.
Neville, having watched six of United's last seven games, was perplexed. "I've watched enough United over this last five or six weeks... to know what looks right and what isn't right and I'm really surprised," he stated on air.
Struggles Against a Struggling Side
United failed to impose themselves in the opening 25 minutes against a Wolves side that had collected just two points all season. Neville pinpointed the awkward positioning as a core issue.
"Zirkzee on this right side having to chase back to right back almost, Dalot right wing back, Ayden Heaven right centre back, Dorgu over on the left back where he's not been playing well," Neville analysed. "All of it just isn't as good as it was in the last couple of games."
He suggested the fans inside Old Trafford shared his bewilderment, feeling the team had taken a step backwards after promising recent performances. "They're in exactly the same place as we are," he added.
A Point Salvaged Despite the Confusion
Despite the tactical disarray, Joshua Zirkzee marked his return to the starting line-up with a deflected effort to score his second goal of the season, giving United the lead.
However, Wolves levelled just before half-time through Ladislav Krejci's goal from a corner, ensuring the points were shared. Neville concluded that while United might have gotten away with the system against struggling opposition, it was not the correct approach.
"They're playing against a team tonight that are struggling so could win and get away with it but it doesn't mean it's the right system to watch because it's not," he asserted, leaving his verdict on Amorim's choices unequivocal.
