4 months ago
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GARY NEVILLE has stunned fans by doing “TWO jobs at the same time” – as Manchester United welcomed Fulham for the Premier League opener.
The Old Trafford legend was again a pundit for Sky Sports but has now added NBC Sports to his broadcasting armoury.
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Sky Sports
But Neville was soon out on the Old Trafford pitch with the NBC team tooNBC had only announced their new “signing” 24 hours earlier – sparking a mixed reaction from viewers.
And although Neville‘s main role with the US corporation will be on their Sunday show, he was thrown into instant action on Friday night.
NBC say the former England defender, 49, will be a “special contributor” for the whole season.
And Nev certainly faced a special night at Old Trafford – as potentially one of the busiest observers in the ground.
One surprised viewer posted: “Lmao Neville got a contract with NBC as well. He’s working for 2 broadcasters at the same time.”
Nev had a familiar figure from his playing days alongside him in the NBC team on the pitch.
Ex-Red Devils, Everton and US keeper Tim Howard was once more part of their pundits’ line-up.
One-time BBC presenter Rebecca Lowe, plus former top-flight aces Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe, are also with NBC.
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But Neville began the season in a way he might not want to continue it, with fans soon sniping over his opinions.
Sky Sports viewers blasted him for suggesting new Matthijs de Ligt might not be fast enough – nor fit in with boss Erik ten Hag‘s tactics.
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One fan wrote: “Gary Neville just said De Ligt can’t play in a high line – world class punditry that – he played in a high line at Ajax & Bayern.”
However, the Dutchman was only on the bench – as Ten Hag stuck with last season’s regular pairing of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez in central defence.
Mason Mount started in midfield, with Amad Diallo out wide and Marcus Rashford the Red Devils’ only out-and-out forward.
And despite some supporters raising their eyebrows at Nev working for two broadcasters simultaneously, NBC had hinted there might be such a scenario at some stage.
In announcing his arrival on Thursday, they said his appointment was “in collaboration with Sky Sports”.
And UK viewers will still get their fair share of Nev, with the former defender in the Sky commentary box for the game.
Man Utd ratings vs Fulham as new boys shine... but Mount and Amad struggle
DEBUTANT Joshua Zirkzee was the hero for Manchester United in an evening where their new guns showed what they are all about.
The Dutchman had to remain patient for his opportunity but he took it brilliantly once he came on the pitch.
Zirkzee came on for Mason Mount on the hour mark and had been quiet up until his pivotal moment.
Ten Hag will take positives from the display and it was his astute sub which led to the winner as his side got their season off to a flyer.
Here is how SunSport’s Phil Thomas rated the Red Devils display…
Andre Onana – 6
Made an outstanding early tip over from Kenny Tete and was rarely seriously troubled beyond that.
Noussair Mazraoui – 7
A pretty impressive debut from the Moroccan. Looks assured on the ball, gets forward in support and can put a foot in.
Harry Maguire – 7
Dominant and commanding in defence, but embarrassingly booked for diving at the other end. Really Harry, even you?
Lisandro Martinez – 6
Skinned by Adama Traore early. Showed all his defensive guile in how he handled him after that, and got back superbly to deny a breakaway goal.
Diogo Dalot – 6
Had his hands full dealing with Traore’s pace, but knocked in a couple of wicked curling crosses at the other end.
Casemiro – 7
Headed over then shot over, but two great passes put Fernandes clean through. Often looked United’s most likely source of a goal.
Kobbie Mainoo – 8
So crisp, so tidy, so rarely wastes a pass. Another near-flawless, if not exactly flair-packed, display from the youngster. Fizzed a shot just wide, too.
Mason Mount – 5
So desperate to do well, which earned him an early booking. Only Leno’s legs denied him the goal his effort deserved.
Amad Diallo – 5
Made one marvellous mazy run into the box, although the tumble to ground that followed wasn’t so impressive.
Marcus Rashford – 6
Still nowhere near the star of two years ago, but another step in the right direction at least. Some way to get yet, though.
Bruno Fernandes – 7
Fluffed two great chances, driving at keeper Leno’s legs twice when Casemiro put him through, but sprayed passes around and started the move for the winner.
Subs
Alejandro Garnacho (for Diallo, 60mins) – 6
Put a spark in United when he came off the bench and teed up the winner.
Joshua Zirkzee (for Mount, 60 mins) – 7
The debut he dreamed of. Barely had a touch, but then fed the ball wide and stuck out his left foot to jab the winner.
Matthijs de Ligt – (for Mazraoui, 81 mins) – 5
Was only on for the last ten minutes and looked solid although he did not have too much to do
Jonny Evans (for Maguire, 81 mins) – 5
Scott McTominay (for Mainoo, 84 mins) – 5
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