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‘Theatre of Nothing’ – Manchester United and Erik ten Hag called out by Gary Neville after Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle
Old Trafford was nicknamed the “Theatre of Nothing” by Gary Neville following Manchester United’s disastrous Carabao Cup elimination against Newcastle United.
The Magpies humiliated the Red Devils 3-0, scoring goals through Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall, and Joe Willock. On Wednesday night, they spectacularly exacted revenge for their Carabao Cup final loss to United the previous season.
In the past, Neville has stood up for Erik ten Hag in spite of the team’s poor performance and the uncertainty surrounding the club’s ongoing selling process.
But after suffering a 3-0 thumping at the hands of fierce rivals Manchester City last weekend, the former United defender says he has “had enough” and took his wrath out on X.
“Last night we saw the Theatre of Dreams turn into the Theatre of Nothing,” he wrote on the social media platform. “Every single United fan is bored and flat. On the pitch the players were in shock, the performances woeful and a manager struggling in front of our eyes. We’ve seen it before, we know how it ends and we’ve had enough.”
Neville contrasted the difference in management at Newcastle and the lack of it at United to explain the gulf in quality between the two sides on the pitch. The ex-England international lavished praise on Dan Ashworth, who is working as sporting director at St. James Park.
“On my way up to the gantry last night, I bumped into Dan Ashworth. He transformed the FA’s structure, set Brighton up for this incredible period of success and has now built a strong foundation for the new owners at Newcastle,” he said.
“He’s competent, highly qualified and knows what he’s doing. Will work with his coach, recruitment team and other departments coherently and calmly. In the last two matches, Manchester United have played two clubs that have installed proper football departments to support the team on the pitch and off it.
The complete opposite of United. We haven’t got a sporting director! I used to travel up to Newcastle and feel sorry for their great fans when the energy and enthusiasm had been sapped from them under Mike Ashley. It was painful to see.”
At Craven Cottage, United will play Fulham in their Premier League opener on Saturday.