Gary Neville criticised Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven for a reckless two-footed challenge during the team's 3-0 Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, saying the young player was fortunate to avoid a red card.
With the match still goalless, Heaven attempted to win the ball from Bournemouth forward Evanilson with a two-footed lunge. Evanilson stepped out of the way, a decision that likely spared Heaven from being sent off. Referee Jarred Gillett showed Heaven a yellow card for the challenge.
Neville's reaction
Speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Neville expressed shock at the tackle, saying: 'He's lucky that the Bournemouth player pulls away from it because he jumps in two-footed. What are you doing?'
'I'm glad he jumped out of the way because you don't see that technique of challenge anymore. What is he doing? I know he's young but that's just not a tackle. He's very lucky the Bournemouth player steps away. There's no contact so it's only a yellow but don't do that again. I've not seen a tackle like that since 1984!'
Bournemouth took the lead from the resulting free-kick as Justin Kluivert's cross was turned home by Rayan. The visitors doubled their advantage five minutes later when Marcus Tavernier passed into an empty net after Adrien Truffert pounced on a slip from Leny Yoro.
United's struggles continue
Manchester United improved slightly after the break, but Evanilson sealed the win with Bournemouth's third goal on 71 minutes, rounding Senne Lammens and scoring from a tight angle.
The Red Devils have now won just two of their first 12 league games under Michael Carrick, who was already under pressure before the defeat. United sit 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone, while Bournemouth climbed to 13th after back-to-back wins.
After the match, former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison told BBC Radio 5 Live: 'United look like a poor team. You can say about the history of the club but that's years gone by, things move on. They're still one of the biggest clubs around but not on the football pitch. Absolutely no chance. Bournemouth on the other hand are such a good team. They're so confident and good at what they do. It's been a brilliant performance.'
Manchester United visit Chelsea next weekend, though it remains unclear whether Carrick will still be in charge for the trip to Stamford Bridge.
