Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes the club need to sign a defender in the mould of Thiago Silva to genuinely compete for the Premier League title.
United have enjoyed a renaissance under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but Neville is already looking ahead to next season, outlining the summer recruitment policy.
Who should United sign in the summer? Five key things to know…
- United have struggled defensively this season, conceding more goals (38) than Wolves (35), Newcastle (36) and more than double that of Liverpool (15).
- Mourinho tried to sign a centre-back last summer but Chief Executive Ed Woodward refused to sanction the necessary funds.
- Neville believes the club now need to look at Virgil van Dijk’s impact at Liverpool, and recruit a world-class centre-back.
- The former right-back believes a player of Thiago Silva’s qualities could take United to the next level.
- The club have been linked with a host of names including Kalidou Koulibaly and Toby Alderweireld.
The Red Devils pulled off an historic comeback against PSG on Wednesday night, coming from the brink of a Champions League exit to secure an unlikely 3-1 victory, courtesy of a last-gasp Marcus Rashford penalty.
Victory ensures Solskjaer has lost just one match in 17 games since taking the helm in October, but Neville believes the squad will need at least five new recruits to challenge Man City and Liverpool next season.
He told beIN Sports: “Manchester United need two centre-backs. I genuinely believe that.
“When you talk about United winning the Premier League title or trying to get to a Champions League final, you need top centre-backs.
“They need two new centre-backs and a right-back. That’s a minimum I think for the summer. They’ve looked at doing that in the past and they need to do it this year.
“The manager needs a new back four, there’s no doubt.
“They need someone with authority. You watch Virgil van Dijk or Thiago Silva, they’re world-class centre-backs and United need someone like that.
“I would say three defenders, one midfielder and one forward, because of the form of Alexis Sanchez. Unless he completely changes what he’s doing in the next few months, United need another forward.
“I’d say they need five additions to the squad. Then the squad would be in good shape and could challenge.”
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“Ole Gunnar, I’ve got three questions for you”
Following a famous night for United in the French capital, which saw United become the first team in European history to overcome a 2-0 or greater home first-leg deficit, Neville was naturally elated.
A former teammate of Solskjaer, the football pundit couldn’t hold his delight when interviewing the Norwegian after the match, asking the interim coach three effervescent questions.
He asked: “How long you would you like on your contract?
“What would your salary be, and where would you like the statue?”
Solskjaer modestly averted attention away from his managerial situation and characteristically praised his players for securing a quarter-final place in the competition.
He responded: “What a fantastic night.
“I’m just going to do my best until the summer and see what the club decides.”
The post Gary Neville urges Man Utd to seal Silva-esque signing appeared first on Squawka News.
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