Neville on Manchester City: 'This is what happens when you go too far together'

After the victory over Southampton on October 26, Manchester City have managed to win only once, a concerning statistic for a team that has dominated English football under Pep Guardiola.

On Sunday, their struggles culminated in a dismal collapse during the final stages of the match against Manchester United, a result that not only marked a new low point for The Citizens but also amplified growing concerns about the team’s long-term sustainability. The defeat served as more than just a blip; it was symbolic of deeper issues within the squad, as pointed out by Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville, who believes the current City team is in need of significant change.

Neville, drawing on his own experiences at Manchester United, highlighted the natural cycle of footballing dynasties. “Pep has already built two successful teams at Manchester City. He’s undoubtedly good enough to build a third, but I can’t help but think back to my time at United, where I was part of four completely different teams over an eighteen-year period. There comes a time when you have to rebuild, and it doesn’t happen overnight. At United, we went through phases where we had to start over, and it sometimes took a few seasons before we were back at the top.”

For Neville, the signs are clear that Guardiola’s current squad has reached its limits. Injuries, fatigue, and the sheer weight of success have taken their toll on a group of players who have operated at the highest level for years. “These Manchester City players are older now, they’ve carried injuries, and they’ve run millions of miles together. You can’t keep pushing forever,” Neville continued. “They are playing Champions League games, League Cup finals, FA Cup finals, winning the Premier League, and on top of that, they represent their countries almost every month. Summers are no better  they’re playing tournaments and getting just three weeks of rest before it starts all over again. It’s relentless, and they’ve been doing it for so long together. That journey has come to an end, and that’s no one’s fault; it’s simply what happens when you go too far as a group.”

Neville stressed that City’s current struggles are not a reflection of Pep Guardiola’s shortcomings but rather an inevitable reality in elite football. He called for a refresh within the squad, a process that involves letting go of some key figures who have been instrumental in City’s success while bringing in new talent to inject energy and purpose into the side. “Some players need to leave, and new ones need to come in. You’ll see a new Manchester City emerge, just like we’ve seen in the past with this club. This is the time to look at these players and say, ‘Thank you for everything you’ve achieved over the last few years.’ We know City’s identity. This team is exceptional, and this moment is not a failure. It’s just what happens when you stay together for too long.”

The performance against Manchester United encapsulated much of what has gone wrong for City in recent weeks. Once known for their composure and dominance, Guardiola’s side looked tired and vulnerable as the match slipped away from them in the closing stages. City’s inability to close out games, combined with uncharacteristic mistakes, has raised concerns about the team’s mental sharpness and physical endurance as they attempt to defend their titles across multiple competitions.

Bernardo Silva, one of City’s most consistent performers, offered a blunt assessment of the situation following the defeat. “We deserved what happened. At this level, you can call it bad luck if it happens for two games, but not when you’re talking about ten matches. If you make stupid decisions with three or four minutes left, you deserve to pay the price,” Silva said, clearly frustrated by City’s inability to maintain their standards. His criticism was scathing as he compared the team’s closing moments to those of an unpolished youth side. “We played the last few minutes like an Under-15 team, and you pay the price for that. It’s very normal that we are not happy right now. This is not the standard of Manchester City. We have to do better, both individually and collectively, because this is not acceptable for a team that expects to compete for titles.”

Silva’s words reflect a growing awareness within the squad that City are no longer operating with the ruthless efficiency that defined them in recent seasons. While the talent remains undeniable, cracks have begun to emerge, and those issues cannot be ignored as City approach the second half of the campaign.

For Guardiola, the challenge now is immense but familiar. Throughout his career, he has faced similar crossroads where teams required rebuilding to remain at the top. At Barcelona and Bayern Munich, he demonstrated an ability to adapt and construct new dynasties, and few doubt his capacity to do the same at Manchester City. However, the timing of this transition is critical. A refresh is inevitable, but managing it mid-season while competing for domestic and European honors will test Guardiola’s skill and leadership more than ever before.

As Manchester City prepare for the next phase of their campaign, the defeat to Manchester United may serve as a wake-up call for both players and staff. The need for change is clear, but the question remains whether City can evolve quickly enough to salvage their season. Guardiola has built teams that defined an era of English football, and with his vision and experience, there is every chance he will oversee another transformation. The key now lies in recognizing the signs, making the necessary decisions, and ensuring that Manchester City’s current challenges become the foundation for their next chapter of success.

City’s recent struggles are a reminder of how demanding sustained dominance can be, both physically and mentally. The modern game allows little room for error, and as fatigue sets in, even the greatest teams can falter. Whether this moment marks the end of an era or the beginning of another rebuild under Guardiola remains to be seen, but the pressure is mounting, and the response will define Manchester City’s immediate and long-term future.