Gary Neville

[Kush]

Neville said Pogba is our best player and will win POTY this season. If those opinions should be ignored, so should your post history.

Gut feeling seems to be your bar for guilt. If that's the case, it should work both ways.

What does that have to with him going over the top with foreign players?!?! Just because he is objective in regards to the player quality gives him the right to shred through him? Do you not remember him tearing into De Gea in an OTT rant after a draw with Spurs where even Fergie called him out on his bullshit? Do you not remember him sticking up for his mate in Rooney when he was clearly finished and kept motoring 'silent domination'?


Jesse Lingard blew 2 sitters tonight, was there a single mention of it or for his shitty performances in last 9 months where he hasn't scored or created a goal for Man Utd? No, because he's English and Neville works with him in England setup

Ole doesn't have a designated penalty taker in the team, was he held accountable for it? No, because he is his mate.

Does he call out Glazers for their shitty management of the football club? No, because that would mean his hotel loses valuable revenue.

He's one of the most hypocritical pundit in the job today and that wouldn't be a problem if didn't pretend to be so objective and unbiased about it, because sure as feck he isn't.

Let me quote myself again:

But allow me to break it down to you. Last week, Rashford (an English player) earned the penalty and took the ball to take it. Last season, our 'designated' taker on pitch was Pogba. But Rashford had a word with him vs Chelsea and took it.

I didn't hear shit about how this was 'treasonous behavior', 'how sports scientists did a poor job of mentally preparing the player for penalty' or raft of other bile he spew tonight. But, sure once it's Pogba knives are out.

Just because one is converted and other isn't doesn't meantt he 'problem' wasn't there, he's just a hypocrite to not speak on it when the player is English in question.

The problem is same, scenarios are same (player who earned the penalty wants to take it). Difference is outcome and the player taking the penalty in question. If you don't see it, then debating with you is a lost cause.

 

[FlawlessThaw]

Yes, agree, but talking about it isnt what he did. He ranted on about it. Pogba missed a penalty. Ruud and Rooney missed penos for us. Even Cantona did. No need for the massive rant.

Pogba has missed 4 penalties since the start of last season and overall has a bad ratio. It does deserve attention in the same way Rooney's record required looking at at some stage.

 

[Anustart89]

Or, rather, that he doesn't like the fact that Pogba missed after an on-field decision made on a whim.

Neville also made a good point that Sports Scientists decide EVERYTHING about a footballer's life on and off the pitch these day. Debating after the award of a penalty is poor mental preparation for the taker, and poor decision making by both staff and players.

If Pogba had a 100% success rate and Rashford had a 64% success rate, Neville would have been fuming at Rashford if he'd taken away the ball and cost United 2 points.

No he wouldn't have.

If Pogba had taken the free kick that Rashford took today (...and many other games), Neville wouldn't shut up about it. He would've been "Look at him going for the Hollywood goal instead of getting it in the box for a header."

 

[OL29]

“Hates”
“Hatred”
“Agenda”

He literally referred to Pogba as Uniteds best player in the same segment, then went on to predict Pogba would be the player of the year in the league this season. Obviously you clowns missed those parts, so desperate were you to get a dig in at him.

I don’t think you can level that accusation at @Dante to be fair he’s one of the few to stick up for Neville.

 

[Dante]

Yes, agree, but talking about it isnt what he did. He ranted on about it. Pogba missed a penalty. Ruud and Rooney missed penos for us. Even Cantona did. No need for the massive rant.

There are loads of people on the Caf who spend ages after a draw/loss ranting about the potential turning points.

The threads about Pogba's weird penalty run-ups last season were massive.

 

[Jeppers7]

Staggers me firstly Neville, a club legend for the umpteenth time throwing the club into negativity based purely on his personal dislike of one player.

Staggers me also that the only posters on here I see agreeing with him are those who regularly slag Pogba off in every thread.

It's not really about Pogba, it's about Neville's agenda focus being completely over the top on one individual. I agree we should have one penalty taker and that it should no longer be Pogba. But say that....that's all. Selfish, treacherous wow.

It's unnecessary and shifts all the focus now from a team transforming, a solid base and players working for the team, to blaming an individual and once again personal accusations from an ex player.

Totally unnecessary

 

[In Rainbows]

If you only remember Neville's criticisms of foreign players and his praise of British players, and forget his praise of foreign players and criticisms of British players... then, yeah.

I should have qualified with United. Because it's clear he doesn't criticize the worse players as often as he does with Pogba. You can't ignore that. I mean, we're talking about a guy that criticized Pogba for his haircut of which has nothing to do with his performance or focus on the pitch, and despite the fact that Pogba had that same haircut for a week or so with France. How can you not say that's an agenda? It's ridiculous to criticize someone over their haircut.

It was the same last season with Mourinho and Pogba right before Newcastle. Nevermind that Pogba had been our best player to the start of the season.

 

[Dante]

I don’t think you can level that accusation at @Dante to be fair he’s one of the few to stick up for Neville.

I'll stick up for the middle ground.

Whether Neville was right or wrong, his POV is valid. I'm defending him against character assassination.

 

[Anustart89]

I'll stick up for the middle ground.

Whether Neville was right or wrong, his POV is valid. I'm defending him against character assassination.

Funny you should use that particular phrase considering his use of 'treachery'

 

[Dante]

I should have qualified with United. Because it's clear he doesn't criticize the worse players as often as he does with Pogba. You can't ignore that. I mean, we're talking about a guy that criticized Pogba for his haircut of which has nothing to do with his performance or focus on the pitch, and despite the fact that Pogba had that same haircut for a week or so with France. How can you not say that's an agenda? It's ridiculous to criticize someone over their haircut.

It was the same last season with Mourinho and Pogba right before Newcastle. Nevermind that Pogba had been our best player to the start of the season.

He criticised Lingard for his Instagram. He wouldn't do that for Mata.

 

[Dante]

Funny you should use that particular phrase considering his use of 'treachery'

His exact words were: "It's treachery taking a penalty off your teammate".

Then he says that Pogba didn't do that.

 

[JPRouve]

There are loads of people on the Caf who spend ages after a draw/loss ranting about the potential turning points.

The threads about Pogba's weird penalty run-ups last season were massive.

The difference is that we are certified nobodies, we can't really create a negative environment around the club, we can only create our own misery. Neville basically created a mess, we will most likely have even more "stories" about Pogba leaving or how toxic he is and nonsense like that. From a professional standpoint it's a job well done but from the club and the players perspective it's a shitty situation based on a non-event.

 

[UncleBob]

And Neville thinks that dynamic is wrong. How difficult is that to grasp?

There's often a debate on the pitch about who takes the penalty, no matter if there's a clear first choice or not, either the designated penalty taker maintains that he'll take it or he'll give it away to someone else depending on form/feeling. In this case there wasn't an argument, there wasn't anyone trying to force the ball out of someone elses hands, Pogba and Rashford had a quick chat and that was it, no issue what-so-fecking-ever. It's miles away from as bad as Mahrez vs Liverpool.

 

[Majima]

I don’t think he dislikes Pogba at all. He’s just a very frustrating player at times and he has a tendency to knee jerk with his opinions like any other fan. When he’d calmed down he was talking about how good Pogba is and how good he thinks he could be. That’s clear as day.

Neville is the worst person to have as a pundit. We see it on commentary, he gets too emotionally involved to be able to think straight. He needs to realise that the media are waiting for any sort of opinion to spin negatively against either the club or Pogba. It's easy money. Even if he does have an agenda against Pogba, Ole is supposed to be his mate isn't he? He doesn't need all this rubbish.

He might regret it this next week when he realises he played a major part in a whole bunch of negative press for the club.

After all, isn't he supposed to love the club?

 

[OL29]

I'll stick up for the middle ground.

Whether Neville was right or wrong, his POV is valid. I'm defending him against character assassination.

I wasn’t having a pop, was just saying that I think he mis-interpreted you.

 

[Dante]

The difference is that we are certified nobodies, we can't really create a negative environment around the club, we can only create our own misery. Neville basically created a mess, we will most likely have even more "stories" about Pogba leaving or how toxic he is and nonsense like that. From a professional standpoint it's a job well done but from the club and the players perspective it's a shitty situation based on a non-event.

Twitter narratives have a bigger impact than any pundit.

And those narratives start on places like this.

 

[JPRouve]

Twitter narratives have a bigger impact than any pundit.

And those narratives start on places like this.

The caf isn't twitter, unless someone lied to me.

 

[In Rainbows]

He criticised Lingard for his Instagram. He wouldn't do that for Mata.

Oh man, he finally did it. The one time where Lingard and his friends were simulating humping a person compared to Mata who just writes about the match and how beautiful the scenery was on holiday.

 

[Berbaclass]

The difference is that we are certified nobodies, we can't really create a negative environment around the club, we can only create our own misery. Neville basically created a mess, we will most likely have even more "stories" about Pogba leaving or how toxic he is and nonsense like that. From a professional standpoint it's a job well done but from the club and the players perspective it's a shitty situation based on a non-event.

Then it’s on the media for also just ignoring Neville when he praised Pogba.

 

[Dante]

There's often a debate on the pitch about who takes the penalty, no matter if there's a clear first choice or not, either the designated penalty taker maintains that he'll take it or he'll give it away to someone else depending on form/feeling. In this case there wasn't an argument, there wasn't anyone trying to force the ball out of someone elses hands, Pogba and Rashford had a quick chat and that was it, no issue what-so-fecking-ever. It's miles away from as bad as Mahrez vs Liverpool.

That's effectively what Neville said.

 

[Berbaclass]

Neville is the worst person to have as a pundit. We see it on commentary, he gets too emotionally involved to be able to think straight. He needs to realise that the media are waiting for any sort of opinion to spin negatively against either the club or Pogba. It's easy money. Even if he does have an agenda against Pogba, Ole is supposed to be his mate isn't he? He doesn't need all this rubbish.

He might regret it this next week when he realises he played a major part in a whole bunch of negative press for the club.

After all, isn't he supposed to love the club?

The media will try to spin things regardless of what Gary Neville says.

 

[Dante]

Oh man, he finally did it. The one time where Lingard and his friends were simulating humping a person compared to Mata who just writes about the match and how beautiful the scenery was on holiday.

Neville's agenda against British players like Lingard is obvious. He's been doing it for years.

 

[Majima]

Then it’s on the media for also just ignoring Neville when he praised Pogba.

The media doesn't work like that....

The media will try to spin things regardless of what Gary Neville says.

He sure as hell gave them a helping hand. How can the media create all this nonsense from a single penalty miss? Now it will be inner turmoil, Ole not taking control, Pogba to Real. etc.

He really outdid himself this time.

 

[JPRouve]

Then it’s on the media for also just ignoring Neville when he praised Pogba.

I'm not disputing that since he is part of the media, his rant is for the media who is part of the audience. And his collegues will use it to create a mess. And by the way Luckhurst is doing the same thing on twitter right now.

 

[Anustart89]

His exact words were: "It's treachery taking a penalty off your teammate".

Then he says that Pogba didn't do that.

And then he goes off on a rant about how Rashford should've taken it or something to that effect.

It's a bit like all of Trump's "I'm not saying it's... but...". Now the words Pogba, pen and treachery are out there and it just breeds more negativity.

 

[UncleBob]

That's effectively what Neville said.

Yeah, not really.

 

[Emzreus]

Wow. Neville, Neville, Neville. So if after their "chat", pogba decided to let rashford take the pen and he still missed, would he come out with these statements?? I'm shocked.

 

[Berbaclass]

The media doesn't work like that....

He sure as hell gave them a helping hand. How can the media create all this nonsense from a single penalty miss? Now it will be inner turmoil, Ole not taking control, Pogba to Real. etc.

He really outdid himself this time.

Well no, not really. Who said Pogba wants out? Ole/Rashford quickly explained what happened. It’s a nothing story. Neville knee jerked at first then calmed down once he realised there was not really anything to it. He then went on to praise Pogba.

Also are you suggesting the media don’t just totally make shit up? No, they never do that do they....

 

[Majima]

Staggers me firstly Neville, a club legend for the umpteenth time throwing the club into negativity based purely on his personal dislike of one player.

Staggers me also that the only posters on here I see agreeing with him are those who regularly slag Pogba off in every thread.

It's not really about Pogba, it's about Neville's agenda focus being completely over the top on one individual. I agree we should have one penalty taker and that it should no longer be Pogba. But say that....that's all. Selfish, treacherous wow.

It's unnecessary and shifts all the focus now from a team transforming, a solid base and players working for the team, to blaming an individual and once again personal accusations from an ex player.

Totally unnecessary

Completely right. Pogba to Real put to bed. New season, exciting core with young talented players at the heart of it. All optimism and positivity.

Here comes Neville to completely erase all of that and shift the media focus back on negativity at the club. Here comes, fabricated inner turmoil involving the players, Ole not taking charge, Pogba to Real again... It's out of order and frankly strange for Neville to create this toxic atmosphere surrounding the club.

 

[UncleBob]

So who takes it when both are on the pitch? Whoever feels like it? Whoever is feeling good at that particular moment? What if both feel good? Is it then whoever provided the assist? Whoever got fouled? Whoever picks up the ball first?

There should be a single penalty taker so that they’re mentally ready when that penalty is awarded to step up and take responsibility, not to dither about deciding who should take it. Lacks professional efficiency, surely.

Considering it led to feck all of an argument, just two players chatting and agreeing, I fail to see how it's supposedly a massive problem. It sure as hell wasn't a problem when they agreed that Rashford would take it against Chelsea last weekend, so why is the same scenario such a problem now ?

 

[Dante]

And then he goes off on a rant about how Rashford should've taken it or something to that effect.

It's a bit like all of Trump's "I'm not saying it's... but...". Now the words Pogba, pen and treachery are out there and it just breeds more negativity.

Watch the clip again.

Neville goes to great lengths to show that Pogba didn't take the penalty off Rashford. and therefore proves his own claim about it not being treachery.

That's nothing like Trump. Try looking at the situation without any bias for or against Pogba/Neville/Rashford.

 

[Berbaclass]

Completely right. Pogba to Real put to bed. New season, exciting core with young talented players at the heart of it. All optimism and positivity.

Here comes Neville to completely erase all of that and shift the media focus back on negativity at the club. Here comes, fabricated inner turmoil involving the players, Ole not taking charge, Pogba to Real again... It's out of order and frankly strange for Neville to create this toxic atmosphere surrounding the club.

Sorry, but that’s just bollocks.

I don’t think any of those things are remotely true and I don’t think Neville suggested any of them were either.

 

[Majima]

Well no, not really. Who said Pogba wants out? Ole/Rashford quickly explained what happened. It’s a nothing story. Neville knee jerked at first then calmed down once he realised there was not really anything to it. He then went on to praise Pogba.

Also are you suggesting the media don’t just totally make shit up? No, they never do that do they....

I am giving you an example of the stories they will run. The problem is why is Neville on air feeding into the sensationalist rubbish the media tries to create? It doesn't matter if he realised himself afterwards and tried to clarify himself, it's too late when they have already got the quotes.

It's all negativity the club doesn't need. Least of all from someone who supposedly loves the club.

He should seriously reconsider commentating on United if can't keep his emotions in check on air.

 

[Jimmy_Bond]

I've just watched Neville's comments and I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.

Bet what he said wasn't half as bad as what was being said in the living rooms of the majority of people in here.

He's paid to give his opinion. Don't see that he crossed any line, he's just saying that he doesn't like confusion over who will take penalties and players having conversations beforehand. That's his opinion, and many would agree.

Once again this place is ruined by hysteria by people who have a bee in their bonnet constantly.

 

[Adam-Utd]

I've just watched Neville's comments and I'm not sure what all the fuss is about.

Bet what he said wasn't half as bad as what was being said in the living rooms of the majority of people in here.

He's paid to give his opinion. Don't see that he crossed any line, he's just saying that he doesn't like confusion over who will take penalties and players having conversations beforehand. That's his opinion, and many would agree.

Once again this place is ruined by hysteria by people who have a bee in their bonnet constantly.

It was the manner. Didn’t say anything about the game and went on a steaming rampage saying pogba this pogba that what a disgrace etc.

They had zero intention of analysing the game but wanted to make a headline out of pogba. Sad. Neville really is a sky man now.

 

[Jimmy_Bond]

It was the manner. Didn’t say anything about the game and went on a steaming rampage saying pogba this pogba that what a disgrace etc.

They had zero intention of analysing the game but wanted to make a headline out of pogba. Sad. Neville really is a sky man now.

When was this? What I saw was post match in the studio? Certainly didn't say those things then and even said that having seen the videos he's not angry with Pogba.

 

[Rozay]

Watch the clip again.

Neville goes to great lengths to show that Pogba didn't take the penalty off Rashford. and therefore proves his own claim about it not being treachery.

That's nothing like Trump. Try looking at the situation without any bias for or against Pogba/Neville/Rashford.

He didn’t need to go to ‘great lengths to show Pogba didn’t take the penalty from Rashford’. I mean, he didn’t take the pen from Rashford, he just took a penalty for United and didn’t score. The fact that he went to any length at all to make that point was solely because he created it.

The commentary or nobody else accused Pogba of ‘taking the penalty’ from Rash. So why would Neville need to do a 25 minute presentation to show that he didn’t? It’s because he himself, in his shit-stirring way suggested the conspiracy theory in the first place. He suggested it, then backed out of it immediately with a disclaimer, then continued the point for another 20 minutes, and proceeded to give a presentation on how terrible it would have been if Pogba DID take the penalty from Rashford, while adding the odd disclaimer that ‘he’s not actually saying that he did’. And then closed with ‘we cannot, CANNOT have that, what we’ve seen tonight with the penalty’ (which of course, didn’t happen because as he said - IF).

 

[Zoo]

Funny how Neville never gets outraged about Rashford’s ridiculous attempts to imitate Ronaldo on freekicks. You know he would do so if it was Pogba.

 

[Dante]

He didn’t need to go to ‘great lengths to show Pogba didn’t take the penalty from Rashford’. I mean, he didn’t take the pen from Rashford, he just took a penalty for United and didn’t score. The fact that he went to any length at all to make that point was solely because he created it.

The commentary or nobody else accused Pogba of ‘taking the penalty’ from Rash. So why would Neville need to do a 25 minute presentation to show that he didn’t? It’s because he himself, in his shit-stirring way suggested the conspiracy theory in the first place. He suggested it, then backed out of it immediately with a disclaimer, then continued the point for another 20 minutes, and proceeded to give a presentation on how terrible it would have been if Pogba DID take the penalty from Rashford, while adding the odd disclaimer that ‘he’s not actually saying that he did’. And then closed with ‘we cannot, CANNOT have that, what we’ve seen tonight with the penalty’ (which of course, didn’t happen because as he said - IF).

There are two points here:

1. Pogba might have taken the penalty off Rashford

2. "Why is there a debate on who takes the penalty? I don't like it. There should never be a debate. Pogba has missed four in the last 12 months. You'd think he has had his chance. Rashford scored last week - take the penalty. But there wasn't a leader out there. Something wasn't right. They couldn't make a decision between them."

Neville disproved (1) by showing a clip from a previous game.

He took a position on (2). What you've quoted is Neville's reiteration of that. His issue was the lack of leadership which led to an on-pitch debate that resulted in a poor decision that meant United dropped 2 points.

 

[Dante]

Funny how Neville never gets outraged about Rashford’s ridiculous attempts to imitate Ronaldo on freekicks. You know he would do so if it was Pogba.

You only 'know' it because you have a predefined opinion. It's textbook confirmation bias.

In the absence of evidence, you're creating a fantasy to prove your own agenda.