Gary Neville has outlined the positions Manchester United needs to strengthen in this summer’s transfer window.
United’s 2020/21 season ended in disappointment after losing on penalties to Villarreal in the Europa League final.
Overall, however, they have started to bridge the gap with Manchester City and finished second in the Premier League with 74 points, eight points more than last season.
Neville, who will play for England during Soccer Aid for UNICEF in September, believes the Reds will need to add a defender to advance to the next level.
“They definitely need a center-back for Harry Maguire. While I think the back four worked well I think the defense worked well but they are at the absolute maximum,” he said
“I think Aaron Wan-Bissaka is getting better and better every week. I think if Luke Shaw can stay fit he is the best and has always been talented.
“In Harry Maguire they have someone who is incredibly reliable and can lead the team. I just think another center-back will come in and complete the back four.
World XI won the Soccer Aid game last year
(Credit Image: © UNICEF / Soccer Aid Productions / Stella Pictures.)
“It’s a risk because I think Maguire and Lindelof work really well, but it’s a risk that you have to take to get to the next level.
“If you look at Dias, Van Dijk, Harry Maguire, they are the main players in the center of defense but they all have good partners too and I think United need another one.”
Despite Edinson Cavani signing a new deal to keep him at Old Trafford until next summer, Neville believes United need reinforcements in the forwards department.
“Up front is a problem. We’ve never had a solid right-winger in the last few years, I think the left is fine with Marcus Rashford. You could argue, is Mason Greenwood a right-winger?”
“That is the question, is he right-winger or center-forward? If he’s a center-forward long term, Manchester United need a right-winger. If Mason Greenwood is right-winger, they need a center-forward.” . “
The former United captain urged football fans to buy a ticket to the Soccer Aid game.
“Just when I thought my days of being booed by City fans were over! I hope my hamstrings will hold out for more than five minutes to be honest, “he joked.
“I also have to get through the next few months without Micah Richards sounding too much in my ear! All jokes aside, we all play for one hugely important cause – UNICEF.
“Your work is as important today as it has ever been, so please buy a ticket and come over – it will be a lot of fun.”
Neville is supported by United Legends Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney on the English team, who are coached by former City defender Micah Richards.
Celebrities announced include Expert James Arthur, Tom Grennan, Olly Murs, Mark Wright, Paddy McGuinness, Ore Oduba, Kem Cetinay, Liv Cooke, Roman Kemp, Chunkz and Maya Jama.
- The football aid for UNICEF 2021 will take place on Saturday 4th September at the Etihad Stadium. The money from this year’s game will help UNICEF fight the Covid-19 pandemic by helping to provide 2 billion vaccines worldwide. Tickets are available at: footballaid.org.uk/tickets
