Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has expressed deep concern about the unrest at Old Trafford, saying the club are in a “negative spiral” after a disastrous season. He called on manager Ruben Amorim to “get the ball rolling” and lift the spirits of the squad.

United are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and have just suffered a shock defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. After the defeat, defender Luke Shaw made some notable comments: “We all have to ask ourselves. Are we good enough to be here? Because for this club, this season is unacceptable.”

Neville believes Shaw’s comments are a warning sign, reflecting a loss of confidence in the dressing room. “I would point to Luke Shaw’s interview,” Neville told The Overlap. “When players start openly questioning whether they’re good enough to play for the club, you know how bad things are internally.”

The former defender stressed that it’s the manager’s job to decide who’s good enough to play for United, not the players. He believes Amorim needs to be tough on those who lack belief and are spreading negativity.

“I have a concept of a negative spiral… If I hear that energy-draining negative spiral starting to set in… I think you have to clean it out, to be honest. You have to get rid of every player in that dressing room who doesn’t believe they have the absolute confidence to play for this club.”

However, Neville doesn’t think United need to get rid of every player.

“I don’t think it’s a case of getting rid of everyone. I think there’s still some talent there.” He also dismissed suggestions that the players were not interested, but insisted that “the club is swallowing them up, it’s too big for them.”

Neville concluded that to improve the situation next season, Amorim must take drastic action to change the culture and end the gloomy atmosphere that has enveloped Old Trafford.