Gary Neville has hailed Manchester United’s defensive unit following their hard-fought one-goal victory over West Ham in Sunday’s Premier League action.
Goalkeeper David De Gea notched up another clean sheet, meaning United have conceded just one goal in their last six matches across all competitions. The only goal Erik ten Hag’s side have let in during that time was Jorginho’s late penalty during a 1-1 draw with Chelsea a week ago.
Eight hours of football have been played at Old Trafford since United last conceded at their home stadium – a penalty in the Europa League clash in early September. Those performances have been largely down to De Gea’s superb run of form, but Neville highlighted the defensive unit ahead of him.
There was particular praise for United’s back four; despite the absences of Raphael Varane – who is unlikely to return to action before the World Cup – and his replacement Victor Lindelof, who missed the game due to illness.
Lisandro Martinez was partnered in the heart of defence by the club’s returning captain Harry Maguire – who started a Premier League match for the first time since the second game of the campaign, the four-goal loss at Brentford.
Maguire and Martinez were flanked by regular full-backs Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw, who both put in superb performances in their defensive third while offering width in attack. Despite the disruption in the centre of defence, United’s performance was coherent – securing another victory and a clean sheet.
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Neville said on Sky Sports after the match: "They've all contributed. They're all going to De Gea but Dalot, Martinez, Maguire and De Gea in that last 15-20 minutes were outstanding. ( West Ham boss David) Moyes must wonder what he needs to do to win a game at Old Trafford. He can't believe it."
Since United’s opening two games of the season, they have lost just one of their following ten league matches – a run which has seen them win seven matches and drawing two more. It is a string of results which has included victories over Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham – playing all of the league’s top eight from last season, along with a resurgent Newcastle.
Next up for United is a trip to Real Sociedad – where they need to win by two clear goals in order to ensure they avoid a Round of 32 playoff match in the Europa League. Ten Hag’s side return to Premier League action with a trip to Aston Villa on Sunday.
