Gary Neville believes Manchester United need to make six signings this summer to strengthen their squad for a busy season ahead. The club legend has identified key positions that require reinforcement, with Michael Carrick expected to be appointed permanently after an impressive interim spell.
Three Defenders Needed
Neville stressed the importance of adding defensive depth, particularly at full-back and centre-back. 'They definitely need back-up at full-back. Both sides, I would say,' he said on The Gary Neville Podcast. 'In an ideal world you'd bring three defenders in. They need one of them that can play in two positions and support, then they need another top centre-back and a left-back. I think three defenders would be perfect.'
Midfield Reinforcements
The former Manchester United captain also highlighted the need for two midfielders. 'Then they need two midfielders, in an ideal world you'd think that five would be perfect,' he added. 'Then if you were being really greedy you'd then swap out Mason Mount for another forward of some kind.'
Flexible Forward Option
Neville suggested a versatile attacker who can play out wide or as a number 10, similar to Phil Foden or Cole Palmer, to provide cover for Bruno Fernandes. 'Maybe somebody who can play in wide areas and sometimes number 10. Players like Foden and Palmer and Cherki. A flexible forward who can play number 10 if Bruno Fernandes isn't there for whatever reason.'
Priority Signings
While Neville acknowledged six signings might seem ambitious, he identified three as non-negotiable. 'The absolute unequivocals are a top centre-back and two top central midfield players. Absolute unequivocal. But they've got to go and get two or three more around that to beef up the squad to enable themselves to compete and give Michael Carrick the best chance of being able to repeat the performances he's had without the interference of Champions League games and cup competitions.'
Elliot Anderson Tip
Neville singled out Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson as an ideal midfield target after his impressive display against Manchester United. 'What I like about Anderson is the fact that he looks forward and he contributes. The two crosses for the goals were exceptional. I see too many crabs playing central midfield. You can't have too many people who play five-yard passes back and sideways. You need to put players in there who are going to look forward and punch passes through the lines and have their head up. Elliot Anderson can do that. He can take set pieces. So for me, he would be an outstanding candidate to come here.'
However, Neville noted that Manchester City are also interested in the 23-year-old, making a potential transfer battle between the two Manchester clubs.
