Gary Neville praises Manchester City and criticizes Manchester United on losing points
Manchester United’s veteran right back Gary Neville has said that Manchester City may turn out to be serious title contenders this season. Following last weekend’s results Manchester City moved up to 2nd place in the
table and leapfrogged Manchester United. City beat Newcastle United while United failed to get all 3 points at the stadium of light against Sunderland.
All of that means, Manchester City have now emerged as one of the closest challengers for Chelsea. There is a serious chance that City will be splashing more cash once the January transfer window opens, which may strengthen the
already star studded Manchester City line up.
It is not normal for Manchester United to be challenged in their own town, City have not been able to match United for over 2 decades and the blue side of Manchester has not won a trophy since 1976. But Neville strongly believes
that Red Devils will have to take the surge from Manchester City seriously this season.
The man, who was part of the golden generation at Manchester United as the 90’s decade started, said that last weekend meant that City overtook United for the 2nd spot and now they can really give Manchester United and
Chelsea a run for their money this season. He added that it is the first time in last 20 years that the gap between the two is so marginal, and if things continue to go that way it may become even closer.
Neville said: "There is no doubt that we have to see City as major challengers this season along with Chelsea.
"At the moment, City and Chelsea are above us and the money that City have spent, and the quality and depth in both squads, means we have to see them both as rivals for the title."
Manchester United play their next match in the league against West Brom on Saturday. United have not been able to win away from home this season and it will be another stern test at the Hawthorns. Neville admitted that losing points
away from home this season has been a problem, and they have lost easy points which may come back and haunt them later on in the season.
Twice, the Red Devils let their lead slip against Fulham and Everton to lose 2 points on both occasions; it was a stoppage time goal at Craven Cottage that cost them. Later on against Everton it was not only one but 2 goals in
stoppage time when they let a 3-1 lead cut down to 3-3.
Gary admitted that even in the past United have slipped up against lesser oppositions, and draws against such teams end up costing heavily.
Neville, who was appointed captain by Ferguson 2 seasons ago has been hampered by injuries, said that if Manchester United would have been able to get all 3 instead of draws in away games this season it would have meant that they
could have been level with Chelsea or even above them. But now they trail the champions by 5 points, and things will have to change if they are to make a serious bid for a 19th league title this season.
Gary Neville has won 8 league titles, 3 FA cups and 3 League cups and 2 Champions League titles with Manchester United.
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