Gary Neville Names Five Players ‘Not Good Enough’ for Manchester United

Manchester United’s underwhelming 0-0 draw against their rivals Manchester City on Sunday left many fans and pundits questioning the current state of the squad.

Among them, former United player and pundit Gary Neville had some sharp words about the quality of players in Erik ten Hag’s squad. According to Gary Neville, the Red Devils are in desperate need of reinforcements, and he identified at least five positions in which United must strengthen this summer.

The result against City may have been disappointing, but it has highlighted the ongoing issues at Old Trafford that continue to plague the team’s performances, particularly in big games. While Manchester United have shown moments of brilliance this season, they have often lacked the necessary quality to compete consistently at the top level. This has prompted Gary Neville to call for a significant overhaul of the squad, suggesting that some key players simply do not meet the standards required to challenge for top honors.

Neville Calls for Five New Signings

Gary Neville didn’t hold back during his post-match analysis, outlining his belief that Manchester United need at least five new signings to return to the top of English football. He acknowledged that manager Ruben Amorim is working with a squad that is simply not suited to his style of play and that reinforcements are necessary if United are to push forward and become genuine contenders once again.

“From a United perspective, I get why he’s gone back into a low block,” Gary Neville began. “But that’s what we’ve seen from Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and Erik ten Hag. They’ve all come in with the intention of playing high-press, high-energy football, but all end up going back to a low block in big games.”

Neville’s criticism was not directed at Amorim himself, but rather at the limitations of the squad he has inherited. He pointed out that the current crop of players simply don’t have the ability to carry out the manager’s desired high-pressing, attacking system. For Gary Neville, the answer is clear: Manchester United must bring in at least five new players to strengthen key positions if they are to play the kind of football Amorim wants and compete at the top level.

“The three up front are not good enough, and the two wing-backs, they’re not good enough,” Gary Neville said. “They need five players. They need to serve him with five players who are good enough in this system to be able to play his system the way he wants.”

These comments reflect Gary Neville’s growing frustration with the lack of quality in certain positions within the squad. He is not just referring to a few bad games but rather highlighting long-term issues that have prevented United from reaching the heights expected of a club of their stature.

Key Areas of Concern

While Gary Neville didn’t name specific players, it’s clear from his analysis which positions need immediate attention. The biggest area of concern, according to Gary Neville, is the attack. Striker Rasmus Højlund has struggled to make an impact since arriving, with just 15 touches before being substituted after 70 minutes against Manchester City. The Danish forward’s lack of involvement in the game underscored the issues United face up front, with their attacking play lacking the sharpness and fluidity required to break down high-quality opposition.

Alongside Højlund, winger Alejandro Garnacho also struggled in the game, failing to make a significant impact when called upon. Despite his potential, Garnacho has shown inconsistencies that make him unreliable at times. Bruno Fernandes, who has been one of United’s standout performers this season, was pushed further forward into the attack, where he did show some promise. However, he appears better suited to a deeper role where he can influence the game more effectively.

Neville’s criticism extends beyond the forward line, with the wing-back positions also identified as areas for improvement. Patrick Dorgu, who joined in January, was brought in specifically to suit Amorim’s system, but his early performances have been far from convincing. While there is hope that Dorgu can adapt to the Premier League, United are already looking to strengthen further in the wing-back positions, particularly on the right side of defense, where Diogo Dalot has been underwhelming.

Ruben Amorim’s Plans for the Summer

The frustration from Gary Neville is compounded by the fact that Ruben Amorim himself has acknowledged the need for new additions. In the build-up to the Manchester City clash, Amorim spoke about his desire to bring in one or two “big players” to help get the squad back on track. These players would not necessarily be world-class superstars, but rather those who fit into his tactical vision and can help execute his desired style of play.

“When I say ‘big players’ I’m not saying from Real Madrid, it’s big players in the way I see the game,” Amorim explained. His focus is on bringing in players who can fit into the tactical system he is trying to implement at United. This means targeting players who are well-suited to the high-press, high-energy football that has been Amorim’s hallmark at his previous clubs.

While United have been linked with a number of high-profile players, Amorim’s remarks suggest that he is more focused on building a squad with the right characteristics rather than simply signing players based on their reputation. This approach could be the key to transforming United into a more cohesive and balanced side.

Transfer Plans Moving Forward

The upcoming summer transfer window promises to be a crucial one for Manchester United. With Amorim looking to overhaul the squad and Gary Neville calling for reinforcements in key positions, it’s clear that United will need to invest heavily to ensure they are competitive in both the Premier League and European competitions.

The striker position will likely be a priority, as United have been lacking a reliable goal scorer for some time. The addition of a proven forward would help alleviate some of the pressure on Højlund and provide greater depth in attack. Additionally, strengthening the wing-back positions is vital, as United have struggled to get consistent performances from their full-backs in recent months.

Defensively, Amorim will also be looking to add players who can play in his preferred system, with a focus on players who are comfortable on the ball and able to contribute to the build-up play. United’s defense has been solid at times, but they will need more quality and depth to challenge for top honors consistently.

Conclusion

Gary Neville’s comments regarding the need for five new signings at Manchester United should serve as a wake-up call for the club. While there is undoubtedly talent in the squad, it is clear that there are significant gaps that need to be addressed if United are to compete at the highest level. Ruben Amorim’s tactical vision is a step in the right direction, but he will need the backing of the club’s hierarchy to build a squad that can execute his ideas and challenge for silverware.

The upcoming summer transfer window will be a defining moment for Manchester United, and the decisions made will shape the club’s future for years to come. With Neville’s criticisms ringing in the ears of both the manager and the club’s recruitment team, it’s clear that there is a long road ahead if United are to return to the summit of English football.