Man Utd
Why Gary Neville Became the Focus of a Salford Protest
Gary Neville faced protests at Salford after comments on politics and the Union Jack’s meaning. Oct.
Gary Neville’s prominence in British football and media has been accompanied by a public life beyond the pitch. The former Manchester United defender has had a varied post-playing career: a failed managerial stint at Valencia, co-ownership of Salford City, work as a property developer in Manchester and an open endorsement of the Labour party.
It is Neville’s political commentary that sparked a recent escalation. In the wake of an attack on a Manchester synagogue earlier this month, Neville posted a video on social media during which he blamed “angry, middle-aged, white men” for engendering division in the U.K. and setting the stage for events such as those that unfolded on Oct. 2. Those remarks provoked debate and prompted some calls for his sacking from Sky Sports.
The controversy surfaced at Salford’s Moor Lane on Saturday. During Salford’s 1–0 victory over Oldham Athletic, two individuals ran onto the pitch and attempted to plant a flag on the centre circle. Three people were arrested at Moor Lane that day in what authorities described as a supposed protest against the club’s co-owner.
Far-right political party Britain First claimed responsibility, saying they “teamed up with local Salford patriots” to protest against the “treachery of Gary Neville.” The protesters also wore clothing bearing the slogan “Gary Neville is a traitor.” Organisers used a flag during the pitch invasion.
Neville has argued publicly that symbols such as the Union Jack have been exploited by the far-right. In his social media post from Oct. 5 he said: “I love my country, I love Manchester, I love England,” and added, “But I’ve been building in this city for 15–20 years and nobody has put a Union Jack flag up, so why do you need to put one up now?”
The episode at Moor Lane underlines how political statements by high-profile figures can spill into the sporting arena and provoke direct action from groups on both sides of the debate.
Brighton & Hove Albion
United Hold On to Beat Brighton 4-2 as Mbeumo’s Brace Seals Third Straight Win
Mbeumo brace and late drama sealed United’s 4-2 win over Brighton, with Cunha and Casemiro on target.
Manchester United claimed a third consecutive Premier League victory after a turbulent 4-2 success over Brighton & Hove Albion. The match swung several times, but Bryan Mbeumo’s second goal in stoppage time ensured all three points for the Red Devils.
Matheus Cunha opened the scoring before the interval after being picked out by Casemiro, a composed finish that eased early nerves. United then profited from Brighton’s loose possession: Casemiro’s long-range attempt took a heavy deflection off Yasin Ayari to find the net and stretch the lead. Benjamin Šeško squandered a clear chance just before half-time, rifling over from close range.
The visitors started the second half under pressure and United finally made the game safe after the hour. Šeško fizzed a pass into Mbeumo, who cut inside and finished low into the near post for his first of the afternoon. Brighton responded through Danny Welbeck, whose free kick beat Senne Lammens with 15 minutes remaining and shifted the momentum. A stoppage-time header from Charalampos Kostoulas then reduced the deficit, but Mbeumo’s 97th-minute close-range finish completed his brace and confirmed the result.
Player ratings reflected several strong performances. Bryan Mbeumo led the way with a 9.3 for his two goals and constant threat in the final third. Casemiro earned an 8.6 after a goal and an assist and strong midfield protection. Matheus Cunha was rated 8.4 for his opener and influence in attack. Bruno Fernandes received an 8.1 for his role as a deep-lying playmaker. Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot each scored 7.4 for industrious displays, while Benjamin Šeško was given 7.6. Goalkeeper Senne Lammens was marked 6.4 after a typically commanding outing that nonetheless included two late goals conceded.
Substitutes who featured included Ayden Heaven (7.2), Kobbie Mainoo (6.6) and Patrick Dorgu (6.3); Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte were introduced late and listed N/A. Unused substitutes included Altay Bayındır, Noussair Mazraoui, Tyrell Malacia and Mason Mount.
Match statistics showed United with 43% possession to Brighton’s 57%, expected goals of 1.13 to 1.07, and a shots count of 13 to 17, reflecting a tight but decisive home victory for the Red Devils.
Man Utd
Neville urges Premier League Hall of Fame recognition for Bryan Robson after induction
Gary Neville urged Premier League inclusion for Bryan Robson after receiving his Hall of Fame medal.
Gary Neville used the Hall of Fame ceremony at Old Trafford to press a case for Bryan Robson’s inclusion in the Premier League Hall of Fame. Neville received his medallion from Robson, who came out at Old Trafford for a photo op, and described the moment as a full circle from idol to presenter.
“How can I be in the Hall of Fame and he’s not in the Hall of Fame? That is a travesty, that. Can I give you my medal?” Neville said as Robson came out at Old Trafford for a photo op.
Robson’s playing record was highlighted during the exchange. He was the longest-serving captain in Man Utd history, a two-time league winner who made 461 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 99 goals. Robson is a member of the English Football Hall of Fame and was an inaugural inductee there, a status Neville referenced as he urged his Premier League peers to recognise Robson in that competition’s own Hall of Fame.
Sir Alex Ferguson, himself a Premier League Hall of Fame member, offered a statement on Neville’s achievement and career: “His dedication to improving himself and to being the best player he could led him to playing more than 600 times for his club, collecting eight Premier League titles, and playing 85 times for England. I am delighted for Gary; it’s a well-earned recognition of a fine career at the highest level,” Ferguson said.
Neville spent 19 years at Man Utd and retired as a one club man. He wore the captain’s armband after Roy Keane left the club and was included five times in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. Neville also won two Champions League trophies and is widely credited as one of the greatest fullbacks in league history, forming a notable partnership with David Beckham at the Theatre of Dreams.
A Premier League Hall of Fame event on November 4 will further celebrate the defender. Neville was among a 15-man shortlist before his induction and one more player will be inducted this year. Multiple former Man Utd players could join Neville this year, including former teammates Michael Carrick, Patrice Evra, Teddy Sheringham, Michael Owen and Edwin Van der Sar.
Brighton & Hove Albion
Man Utd v Brighton: Tactical Test as United Seek Third Straight Win
United seek third straight win at Old Trafford as Brighton arrive unbeaten and dangerous. Fresh tests
Manchester United head into Saturday’s meeting with Brighton & Hove Albion aiming for a third consecutive win under Amorim after back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time in his tenure. Brighton arrive unbeaten in five matches in all competitions and have already beaten Manchester City and Chelsea this season.
Recent form (selected results)
Liverpool 1–2 Man Utd – 19/10/25
Man Utd 2–0 Sunderland – 04/10/25
Brentford 3–1 Man Utd – 27/09/25
Man Utd 2–1 Chelsea – 20/09/25
Man City 3–0 Man Utd – 14/09/25
Brighton 2–1 Newcastle – 18/10/25
Wolves 1–1 Brighton – 05/10/25
Chelsea 1–3 Brighton – 27/09/25
Barnsley 0–6 Brighton – 23/09/25
Brighton 2–2 Tottenham – 20/09/25
Injury and selection update
United are relatively healthy with Lisandro Martínez the only confirmed absentee. Harry Maguire and Mason Mount are listed as minor doubts, though Amorim did not seem particularly concerned. United used a striker-less system to good effect on Merseyside, but Amorim could opt for a focal forward here. Benjamin Šeško has shown signs of growing more comfortable and could return to the starting XI, potentially in place of Mount. Leny Yoro may also be recalled, but substantial changes from what the coach called the most impressive victory of his reign seem unlikely.
Predicted Man Utd lineup (3-4-2-1): Lammens; De Ligt, Maguire, Shaw; Amad, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha; Šeško.
Brighton arrive with more selection uncertainty. Hürzeler is not yet sure whether he’ll have Kaoru Mitoma because of an ankle problem, while Brajan Gruda and Joel Veltman are doubts. Diego Gómez is in contention. Jack Hinshelwood, Adam Webster and Solly March remain out long term. Danny Welbeck, fresh from a brace in the win over Newcastle United, will lead the line. Carlos Baleba, linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, is a player to watch.
Predicted Brighton lineup (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen; Wieffer, Van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper; Baleba, Ayari; Minteh, Rutter, Gómez; Welbeck.
Tactical note
Brighton’s attacking fluidity and movement have unsettled United in this fixture previously, while goalkeeping errors have also been costly. United’s expected goals tally ranks second in the Premier League, and a direct approach with Šeško as a focal point would be a sensible way to press their advantage.
