Gary Neville has already shared his scathing verdict on the five substitutions rule that is set to be installed by the Premier League for next season. Clubs are poised to make a U-turn after rebuffing heavy calls for the past two years to follow other leagues and make the change.
In the midst of the devastating Covid-19 pandemic, Manchester United and Manchester City and their top flight counterparts were allowed to make five alterations during top-flight matches at the end of the 2019/2020 campaign. That temporary measure came into place after resumption through Project Restart.
However, while other European leagues and the EFL opted for a permanent change to five subs, each Premier League club can still only make three substitutions this season. The issue is due to be voted on, once again, during an impending meeting for stakeholders in London tomorrow.
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Bigger clubs have, generally, supported the long-standing proposals and Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been a vocal champion in that regard. Klopp and others look set to finally get their way, but United great Neville has already suggested five substitutions is not the right move.
The development comes after the game's law-making body International FA Board (IFAB) installed the option as a permanent rule. It's thought this has been a real driving force in the U-turn.
Speaking previously about the five substitutions rule, Neville said: "I voted against it in League Two at Salford but, overall, it came in because the teams wanted it.
"I don't agree with the five subs. For me, it does benefit the bigger teams. For the bigger teams, they have got the bigger squads and they can rotate more. My view is that three subs is more than enough. My view is that this only benefits the bigger clubs to save players. Rotate more, you have got the bigger squads.
"That is my view. I don't believe five subs should be introduced. I want to see a more competitive Premier League, whereby it's not harder for the smaller teams.
"Jurgen Klopp wants five subs and better kick-off times for Liverpool — just as my manager for 20 years argued and that's why he was seen as someone who created a siege mentality. He wanted the advantage and benefit for us at Manchester United. That's all Klopp wants now. It's not a criticism."
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