MICAH RICHARDS has joked that Jamie Carragher may choose to defend new Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard in the same way Gary Neville has with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Gerrard, 41, was confirmed as Dean Smith’s successor at Villa Park on Thursday morning.
And Richards was quick to question what Gerrard’s ex-teammate Carragher’s approach will be when critiquing him on Sky Sports.
Speaking on Twitter, Richards said: “I wonder if Carragher is gonna protect Gerrard like Neville protects Solskjaer. But that’s not my business.”
Jabbing back at Richards, one social media user said: “We can wait for the Man City legend to become manager for you to criticise. Oh wait there aren’t any.”
Another added: “I’m not sure Gerrard will need the same amount of protection that Ole does.”
Neville has been consistent as a pundit in saying he will never call for a manager to be sacked.
Speaking last month about his position on Solskjaer, the ex-Man Utd full-back said: “I’ve got Manchester United fans on my social media all of the time saying, ‘Gary, he’s your mate. You won’t call him out.
“No, I won’t. I won’t call Steve Kean out, or Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. I’m not going to come on this show 11 years later and ask for a manager to be sacked. It’s never going to happen.
“He’s a club legend. He’s my team-mate. I actually like him a lot.
“Manchester United have failed with two previous managers who have been world class.
“I think they persist until the end of the season.”
Neville’s position has left many Man Utd fans angry, particularly those who want Solskjaer to be sacked.
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But now his Sky Sports colleague Carragher will be met with a similar predicament as his Liverpool pal begins life as a coach in the Prem.
Villa have lost their last five league games, dropping to 16th place in the table, just two points off the relegation zone.
Gerrard joins the Midlands club having guided Rangers to their first title in 10 years, a feat that was achieved without losing a game.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
