Manchester United were held to a frustrating draw at Old Trafford on Sunday, with Gary Neville singling out defender Luke Shaw for heavy criticism following Bournemouth's equalising goal.
Neville's Scathing Analysis of Defensive Error
The match, played on December 15, 2025, saw United start brightly. Their early pressure paid off when Amad Diallo capitalised on a mistake from Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to head home from close range.
However, the Cherries hit back against the run of play in the 40th minute. The goal came from Antoine Semenyo, who notched his seventh Premier League strike of the campaign. It was the build-up to this goal that infuriated former United captain Gary Neville on co-commentary duty for Sky Sports.
Neville focused intently on the role of left-back Luke Shaw. He explained that after a pass from Mason Mount, Shaw was physically outmuscled by Bournemouth's Justin Kluivert in what the pundit described as a "shoulder to shoulder" challenge.
"He's Got to Be Stronger"
"He just gets barged out of the way," Neville stated bluntly. "He's got to be stronger there, Shaw." The ex-England right-back argued that Shaw's weakness in the duel left his teammates in an impossible position, forced to invite Semenyo to shoot for fear of playing a pass across goal.
Neville did credit the Bournemouth forward for a superb finish, calling it "an absolutely wonderful finish" and "everything you'd want in teaching a young forward." He praised the power and precision of Semenyo's side-footed shot that beat the United keeper.
Frustration for Ten Hag's Side
The consequence of the goal was that Manchester United found themselves level at half-time despite their dominant start. Neville's analysis highlighted a recurring theme of defensive fragility that has plagued the Red Devils at various points this season.
For Bournemouth, the point earned at Old Trafford represents a resilient performance, with Semenyo continuing his impressive scoring form. For United and Luke Shaw, the criticism from a club legend like Neville will sting, emphasising the high standards expected at the Theatre of Dreams.
