Following Manchester United's shocking elimination from the Carabao Cup by League Two outfit Grimsby Town, Jamie Carragher seized the opportunity to ridicule his Sky Sports colleague Gary Neville on social media.
The Liverpool legend shared a video clip featuring Neville's recent optimistic assessment of United's prospects, in which the former defender boldly claimed the Red Devils would "surprise a few" this campaign.
Mr Carragher's repost came immediately after United's embarrassing penalty shootout loss to the fourth-tier club, transforming Neville's confident prediction into an object of mockery.
The timing of Carragher's social media jab highlighted the stark contrast between Neville's hopeful forecast and United's dismal cup performance against lower-league opposition.
Ruben Amorim was shocked by fourth tier Grimsby
| SKY SPORTSManchester United suffered a humiliating exit from the Carabao Cup after falling to League Two side Grimsby Town in a penalty shootout.
The Red Devils' expensive attacking trio of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, assembled for £200million, failed to deliver against the fourth-tier opposition.
Manager Ruben Amorim criticised his squad's performance following the defeat, adding to his disappointing record since assuming control 300 days ago.
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The Portuguese coach has managed only 17 victories from 45 matches in charge.
His start to the current campaign has been particularly poor, with no wins recorded yet after losing to Arsenal and drawing with Fulham before the cup embarrassment.
Despite United's poor start to the season, Neville had expressed confidence in the team's potential during his Sky Sports analysis.
The former Valencia manager was particularly encouraged by United's display against Arsenal, despite the defeat.
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“United will surprise a few”
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"When I watched United yesterday I thought the performance was very good," Mr Neville stated.
He predicted that acquiring a new goalkeeper would transform the team's fortunes, suggesting that with the attacking talent and defensive lineup in place, United would benefit from their schedule without Europa League commitments.
"I think with the free weeks they've got and no Europa League, I think United will surprise a few," Mr Neville declared confidently.
Mr Carragher's strategic retweet triggered an avalanche of ridicule from football supporters who seized the opportunity to mock Neville's misplaced optimism.
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"We are not surprised at all," one fan responded, highlighting the predictability of United's poor performance.
Another supporter quipped: "Surprised? Not in a good way," while a particularly cutting response simply stated: "Surprised Grimsby."
The social media pile-on continued with users questioning Mr Neville's credibility when discussing his former club.
"Can never take him seriously talking about United," one critic wrote, suggesting the pundit's emotional attachment to Old Trafford clouds his judgement.