Neville Slams 'Missing' Gravenberch, Despite Once Urging Man Utd to Sign £34M Liverpool Star

Football pundit and former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has sharply criticized Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, branding him as a player who 'goes missing' in games. This brutal assessment comes despite Neville himself having previously urged Manchester United new co-owners, INEOS, to sign the £34.2 million Dutch international, highlighting a dramatic shift in his opinion on the player. His comments ignite a fresh debate around Gravenberch's role and performance at Anfield, especially after Liverpool's recent 2-2 draw against Newcastle United. Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in 2023 for a significant fee, amidst a midfield overhaul for the Reds. Neville's current criticism centers on Gravenberch not being a traditional 'holding midfielder,' comparing his lack of defensive presence to legends like Roy Keane or Patrick Vieira. This viewpoint is particularly timely as Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, has faced scrutiny over their midfield balance and overall defensive solidity, notably conceding crucial goals in their recent Premier League outing. The pressure is now firmly on Gravenberch to prove his worth, not just to the fans but also to manager Iraola, who is navigating a squad that experienced a disappointing 2025-26 season. Neville's comments add fuel to the fiery rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United, forcing a spotlight on Liverpool's strategic transfer decisions and Gravenberch's development. Observers will be keenly watching how Gravenberch adapts his game, or if Liverpool will be forced to revisit their midfield recruitment strategy in upcoming transfer windows.