WELL I NEV-ER
‘Has Gary Neville been taken hostage?’ ask fans as they’re left baffled at Sky Sports coverage of Man Utd vs Newcastle
Neville also criticised Man Utd's summer signings on Sky Sports' broadcast
FOOTBALL fans joked Gary Neville had been "taken hostage" as he made a bizarre appearance on Sky Sports.
The Manchester United legend, 49, was at Old Trafford on Monday night to watch Ruben Amorim's men host Newcastle.
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Ahead of the Premier League clash, Neville was a part of Sky Sports' Monday Night Football broadcast as presenter Dave Jones and Liverpool icon Jamie Carragher posed questions to him.
But viewers were left somewhat baffled by Neville's background - which was simply a white wall.
Reacting to the coverage, one fan said: "It looks like Neville's giving a hostage speech giving the kidnapper's terms for release with him against this blank wall 😭."
While another added: "Gary Neville looks like he’s reporting while being held hostage."
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And a third responded: "Sky - Gary Neville dialling in on Zoom for Manchester United Vs Newcastle."
Meanwhile, Neville criticised Man Utd's new signings Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee ahead of the Newcastle clash.
He said: "What am l surprised about is that when in the summer Manchester United signed those three or four players, I didn't hear anyone say 'Manchester United have had a terrible transfer market.
"I am shocked about how poor those players have been in their early months.
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Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Joshua Zirkzee is hooked after half an hour and Kobbie Mainoo the only bright spark
KOBBIE MAINOO'S performance was the only silver lining as Manchester United suffered a fourth consecutive defeat.
Newcastle struck twice in the opening 19 minutes as they threatened to tally up a cricket score at Old Trafford.
Joshua Zirkzee was ruthlessly subbed after half an hour after struggling in a No10 role – but there was no recovering for Ruben Amorim’s side.
Here is how SunSport's Kealan Hughes rated the United display…
Andre Onana - 5
Little he could do about both goals and was barely tested other than that.
Noussair Mazraouri - 4
The first two goals came down his side as he failed to close down the crosses that were turned in by Isak and Joelinton.
But he was positive in possession and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Matthijs de Ligt - 5
Did not do much wrong for Newcastle goals but can be criticised for his failure to organise his defensive team-mates.
Harry Maguire - 4
Lost Isak for the opener as he was caught ball watching.
Almost made amends but his diving header cannoned back off the post.
Lisandro Martinez - 3
A complete mismatch as he attempted to battle Joelinton for a cross the Brazilian turned in.
Also lost Isak for the opener and even faced the wrong way as the cross came in.
Diogo Dalot - 5
Offered some much needed stability on the left flank and produced a good cross for Maguire's headed chance.
Casemiro - 3
Dismal throughout. So far off the pace and barely made a pass.
Missed a guilt-edge chance to pull one back on the stroke of half-time.
Christian Eriksen - 4
Similarly inept in protecting his defence as Casemiro, as he was overran time and time again.
He did at least put a few passes together and improved after Mainoo came on.
Amad Diallo - 4
A tricky evening up against the hardworking Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall so was largely ineffective.
Joshua Zirkzee - 2
Nothing went his way and the fans quickly got on his back. He was hauled off in the 33rd minute and his substitution was greeted with cheers by the Old Trafford faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund - 5
Fed off scraps but did not stop running and was a rare bright spark - came very close with a low shot that whistled past the post in the first half.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo (for Zirkzee) - 6
Turned things around after his introduction and made things happen with his accurate passing.
Set up Casemiro for a chance the Brazilian should have buried.
Leny Yoro (for Martinez, 64mins) - 6
Had a good chance from a corner but sent his free header wide.
Alejandro Garnacho (for Casemiro, 64mins) - 4
Struggled to make an impact as he failed to beat a man.
Antony (for De Ligt, 83 mins) - 5
Not enough time to influence the match.
"I have said it before that this club has been a graveyard for players who have come with decent reputations.
"And it is happening again.
Ruben Amorim hauls off Joshua Zirkzee after 32 minutes to huge cheers as Man Utd are embarrassed in first half
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"I didn't hear anyone say in the summer when Yoro, De Ligt, Ugarte, Zirkzee joined that United hadn't signed half-decent players.
"The problem is that when you have seen them out here in a red shirt that Manchester United look a worse team. That's the odd thing."
Neville was back in the more familiar climes of the Old Trafford commentary box for the game.
But he might have wished stayed by his whitewashed wall as Newcastle tore United apart in the first 20 minutes at Old Trafford.
Alexander Isak and Joelinton netted for the Magpies who saw the game out comfortably to go fifth in the Premier League.
It was United's third consecutive loss and left them 14th, just seven points above the relegation zone.
Ultimate sports presenters rich list
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The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.
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