Gary Neville can only laugh at ‘dismal’ Manchester United for ‘really difficult’ feat against Brentford

Gary Neville couldn’t help but laugh at Manchester United’s ‘horrible’ performance against Brentford on Saturday.

Erik ten Hag’s side could only seal a 1-1 draw against the Bees despite Mason Mount’s goal in the sixth minute of injury time.

Kristoffer Ajer equalized moments later to ensure Brentford earned a point after dominating for most of the match.

The result for United undermined any hopes they had of finishing in the top four, and club legend Neville was shocked at how poorly they played.

Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, he said: “I watched them last night and I guess, like everyone else, I couldn’t quite believe what I was watching.

“I thought they would put a bit of pressure on Tottenham and (Aston) Villa in the game, it’s actually very difficult to play so poorly.”

Neville then gave a slight laugh before revealing that what he saw was worrying before the season started: “Honestly, it really is, you know.

“I don’t remember any moment of the match… usually whatever team you play, if you are a top team the other team will have five or ten minutes of play or domination .

“Manchester United, I can’t think of any moment in that game, maybe in the first few minutes, but I can’t think of any moment in that game where they did anything good.

“It was a horrible performance, it really was, to the point where when Mason Mount scored, I don’t know, I think Manchester United fans, maybe we had to start a petition maybe to give Brentford two points back or something.

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“It was an absolute steal, but then Brentford scored. I can’t even explain that performance, I have no idea where it came from, I’m very worrying that I could reach this low.

“You know you can play bad football, you know you can be missing players, you know you can miss chances, you know sometimes you don’t feel good. But it was a dismal effort, pitiful, to try to play football.”

Despite less possession, Brentford managed 31 shots to United’s 11, with their efforts finally paying off late on.

United returned after the international break following their dramatic 4-3 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Liverpool, but failed to repeat those levels.

It even led Jamie Redknapp to say that such a performance could lead to a manager being sacked, especially against the backdrop of an uncertain future regarding Ten Hag.

United face Liverpool again on Sunday afternoon, but must first travel to compatriots Chelsea on Thursday evening as they look to salvage any sort of promising finish this season.