Gary Neville defends under-pressure Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino and blames Man United and Chelsea struggles on ‘cultural issues and chaos’ after dismal start to the season

• Manchester United and Chelsea have endured nightmare starts to the season
• Gary Neville insists Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino shouldn’t be blamed
• Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here

Gary Neville has blamed Manchester United and Chelsea’s early season difficulties on ‘cultural issues and chaos’ and told critics to ‘look up top’ for an explanation.

United slumped to a second consecutive home league defeat against Crystal Palace for the first time in two-years on Saturday while Chelsea prepare to play Fulham on Monday.

Both giants of English football have endured tortured starts to the new season with Erik ten Hag and Mauricio Pochettino coming under increasing pressure in their managerial positions.

Neville, formerly of Manchester United, has been vocal in his support of Ten Hag amid difficult circumstances at Old Trafford with the club’s owners the Glazer family collaring criticism from supporters and ex-players.

Posting a lengthy statement on his X – formerly Twitter – account, Neville explained he was giving his ‘Sunday opinion’ on the weekend’s biggest Premier League talking points.

Erik ten Hag is under pressure in his position as Man United manager caused by a disastrous start to the new season

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino (middle) has endured a nightmare start to life at the club

‘Chelsea and United are the way they are currently due to cultural issues and chaos. ETH and MP are good managers working in very difficult and challenging environments. Look up top!’

The Blues have struggled to get out of first gear under Pochettino with Chelsea currently just two points above the Premier League’s relegation zone.

American co-owner Todd Boehly sanctioned huge spending in the three transfer windows he has overseen since completing a £4.25bn takeover of the Blues in May last year.

Chelsea spent £400m in the summer, breaking the British transfer record for a second time in less than 12 months as Moises Caicedo joined in a £115m deal from Brighton.

Gary Neville (right) has defended Pochettino (left) and Ten Hag and blamed Chelsea and Manchester United’s difficulties on owners at both clubs

Manchester United’s owners – the Glazer family – have been cited as a huge reason for the club’s problems by supporters and former players

Todd Boehly has spent over £1billion on new signings since completing his takeover at Chelsea last year

Recruitment spending has now exceeded over £1billion under Boehly and criticism has been directed at his erratic handling since taking charge.

Pochettino is expected to be given time to improve on results after a torrid start to life at Stamford Bridge and recently explained he wants to have more involvement in the club’s transfer strategy.

‘The good thing, the relationship is very good with the owners and the sporting directors,’ he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.

‘I think like I told before, when the transfer window was closed, I need to be involved, more involved now, in every single decision.’

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