Former Manchester United icon Gary Neville has expressed concerns, stating that the club could encounter big problems this season if they fail to strengthen their midfield before the transfer window closes.
While United secured a 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League opener, Neville believes their overall performance left much to be desired.
Raphael Varane scored a crucial late goal for United, securing a victory, but Wolves had numerous opportunities to score. United were fortunate to escape a potential penalty call in stoppage time.
In their match against Tottenham Hotspur, the Red Devils had a legitimate claim for a penalty in the first half, but their performance in the second half was lacklustre, resulting in a 2-0 defeat to Spurs.
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Neville pointed out that Casemiro looks lost in the first two games of the new season, emphasizing the need for United to strengthen their midfield.
Neville also mentioned that manager Erik ten Hag is actively searching for a new player to fill the number six position alongside Casemiro, and he stressed that the club needs to secure the necessary funds for this signing; otherwise, there could be significant issues throughout the season.
While talking to Sky Sports, he said:
“Casemiro looks lost in midfield in these first two matches. What’s clear is that Manchester United’s midfield needs bolstering. Ten Hag wants a number six who can play alongside Casemiro and at the moment the club can’t get players out to be able to fund that.”
“If they look at the first two weeks, they have to fund it or there will be big problems. What’s clear is that Ten Hag doesn’t want to revert back to Scott McTominay.”
Casemiro had a challenging start to the season against the Wolves, winning only three out of 15 duels and losing the ball 17 times in 90 minutes.
His statistics improved somewhat against Spurs, with seven wins out of 12 duels and only nine instances of losing possession.
However, it was evident that Spurs’ Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr outperformed him in midfield due to their higher intensity.
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Sarr’s late run into the box for the opening goal went unnoticed by Casemiro, and Bissouma made several forward runs without much intervention from the Brazilian. It’s clear that Casemiro needs more support in midfield.
Mason Mount put in a solid shift in the first half but couldn’t maintain the same level of performance in the second. This highlights the need for United to acquire a new defensive midfielder.
Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is believed to be the manager’s top target, but the deal depends on whether United can generate funds from player departures.
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Although the African star has agreed to personal terms with the Red Devils, Fiorentina are reluctant to sell him for less than €30 million this summer.
