Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho came in for plenty of criticism for his playing style last season.
Amid the ongoing controversies with his star players, such as clashes with Paul Pogba, the Portuguese boss’ decision to not play attacking football grated on fans and pundits last term.
Mourinho acquired three players this summer – Diogo Dalot, Fred and Lee Grant – and splashed the cash in January with the arrival of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.
But his spending has not sat well with the former defender Neville, who believes the traditions of the club instilled by Sir Alex Ferguson have long gone.
Neville went on to suggest what direction the club could go in if the likes of Mauricio Pochettino came to the club.
Tottenham were the only Premier League club not to sign a new player in the transfer window and have refused to consistently break the bank for new signings.
However, Pochettino has still impressed fans with his attractive playing style and has not been afraid to put his trust in the youth of the club.
And that has led Neville to wonder what could be should the Argentine ever move to Old Trafford.
“Ajax, Manchester United and Barcelona are the three bastions of European football in terms of style of play. United have always played 4-4-1-1, 4-4-2, with two wide players,” Neville told the Second Captains podcast.
“It’s ingrained in the club. Don’t change, don’t make short-term decisions.
“The fans weren’t happy, the stadium was starting to have empty seats and then they think, ‘right, we need to win’ and they bring in Jose Mourinho, who likes powerful, robust, strong players.
“Out went nearly all those 11 and Mourinho brings in Lukaku, Matic, Fred, Bailly, a wave of players who suit his style.
“Let’s say Mauricio Pochettino comes in next – he likes hungry 23, 24-year-olds, he likes pushing up the pitch and playing high, he likes players who can press from the front.
“How many Manchester United forwards do you see that run about like the Tottenham ones? Mourinho is happy to sit back a bit deeper and have a more robust, physical player.
“As a Manchester United fan it’s painful to watch.”
United started their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Leicester on Friday night.
Mourinho’s side will be looking to make it two wins from two when they play Brighton on Sunday.