Gary Neville Slams Liverpool’s Milos Kerkez After 2–1 Defeat to Manchester United
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has delivered a scathing assessment of Liverpool defender Milos Kerkez following the Reds’ 2–1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield on Sunday — a result that marked Liverpool’s fourth consecutive league loss, their worst run since 2014.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Harry Maguire sealed the win for United, despite Cody Gakpo’s effort briefly restoring hope for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast alongside Jamie Carragher, the outspoken pundit did not hold back in his criticism of Liverpool’s defensive line, particularly targeting Kerkez, who joined the club in a £40 million move from Bournemouth.
“I think the individual performances of Liverpool’s defenders were really poor,” Neville said. “The left-back [Kerkez] has not settled in… he plays like a 10-year-old left back, he’s all over the place.”
Neville also took aim at Virgil van Dijk, accusing the Dutch captain of looking “shaky” and lacking the commanding presence that once made him one of the most feared defenders in world football.
💬 Opinion: Liverpool’s Defensive Crisis — A Wake-Up Call for Klopp’s Rebuild
Neville’s blunt comments may sting, but they expose a truth Liverpool fans can no longer ignore — the Reds’ once formidable defence is no longer what it used to be.
Milos Kerkez, though young and talented, appears to be struggling with the pressure of filling big shoes at Anfield. Yet, while Neville’s “10-year-old” remark might sound harsh, it also highlights how disorganized Liverpool’s backline has become — lacking structure, leadership, and confidence.
For Jurgen Klopp, this is more than just a bad run of form; it’s a critical test of his squad’s mentality. The once seamless transition from attack to defence that defined Liverpool’s style has turned into uncertainty and poor positioning.
Still, this could be a turning point for the Reds. Every great team hits a rough patch — but how they respond defines their legacy. Kerkez, like many before him, must now prove that he belongs at this level.
Liverpool’s problems may be fixable, but only if they address them head-on — not with nostalgia for past glories, but with fresh resolve and accountability.
Because if Anfield’s fortress can fall four times in a row, the message is clear: it’s time to rebuild, not just react.
