Manchester United legend Gary Neville feels the Red Devils should spend this summer’s transfer money on strengthening two or three attacking positions.
After the big-money signings of Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, and Cristiano Ronaldo, United had a promising start to the season. To say that the arrival of the Portuguese was a bit of a surprise.
There had been talking of a title challenge in the Premier League, but nothing has materialized. The club is currently in a tight race for a place in the top four. Arsenal still seems to be more likely to make it through as they have more games left to play.
Speaking to Sky Sports, United legend Gary Neville admitted that United’s problems go beyond the manager and that the club needs to bring in some quality attacking players ahead of the next season.
The former United captain went on to say that he was shocked that Manchester United didn’t give any competition to Liverpool for signing Luis Diaz.
He said:
“It’s in no doubt Manchester United needs a new manager, but they also need to look very hard above that. You’ve got some smart operators in the clubs that they’re up against. (Luis) Diaz was going to Tottenham, he’s then gone to Liverpool. There’s not even been a mention of him going to Manchester United.”
“Manchester United are going to lose Cavani at the end of the season, probably going to lose Pogba, they’ve lost Greenwood, Rashford’s out of form, Martial’s gone to Sevilla and will probably go at the end of the season.
“The recruitment, I have to say, has been disappointing for a long time. I think it’s been better in the last two or three years, I know some people will disagree with that.”
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Gary Neville has clearly said that the club’s recruitment in recent years has been the main problem. Signing the wrong players or signing players for a higher price or signing unwanted players have all been happening within the club.
Manchester United’s defensive weaknesses have remained a source of concern all season, but the lack of cutting edge in the final third has become a new source of concern in recent months.
Last season, Bruno Fernandes was in top form, but he hasn’t looked like the same player this season. Jadon Sancho is slowly getting into the act in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has scored 18 goals since his return to Portugal, but only four of them have come in 2022. This year, he has also struggled with consistency.
The above-mentioned trio should be in the plans for next season, but still, there should be a need for fierce competition for getting a starting spot in the playing XI, which has been lacking this season.
Our academy graduate Mason Greenwood appeared to be a bright prospect, but he may have played his last game for the club. Marcus Rashford is out of form in recent months and three are reports stating that he may leave the club.
Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial (on loan) are two players who could be on their way out when the transfer window reopens. This could make it easier for reinforcements to arrive.
Manchester United will have to be strategic with their money. Rather than the hierarchy taking matters into their own hands, they must select and sign players who will suit their next manager.
