‘Manchester United need three signings’ – Neville
Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes the Red Devils will need to make three signings in the transfer window to compete for the Premier League title next season.
Ahead of Saturday’s match against league leaders Chelsea, United sit comfortably in fourth place with a top four finish looking all but certain. Louis van Gaal appears to have achieved his goal of qualifying for Champions League play next season, barring a dramatic collapse in the remaining six matches. With an eight point gap over Manchester City, United will need to secure 10 points in the final six fixtures, assuming City were to win out.
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Of the remaining games, away at Chelsea this weekend and versus Arsenal on May 17th appear to be the most difficult; other than that, the Reds will face Everton, West Brom, Crystal Palace, and Hull City, all winnable games.
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So with this season’s objectives looking fully accomplished, Gary Neville has shifted his gaze to the future. The squad has definitely shown major improvements compared to recent years, with van Gaal’s new signings adding quality all over the pitch. Still, per the Daily Mirror, the former United right-back seems to think the Dutch manager will need to make a few more signings, specifically in central defense, midfield, and on the wing:
"“Two or three months ago, they would have been thinking Chelsea are a long way in front of us. Now the recruitment battle that will happen in the summer becomes critical. If they get that right, United will feel confident they can challenge Chelsea for the title next season.”“I don’t think this summer is a case of United rebuilding or total restructure of the squad. They need to continue to improve in two or three positions: a central defender, a midfielder and a winger.”“It is a case of trading well, rather than wholesale buying. I don’t expect another £150 million spend I don’t think it is required.”"
I would have to agree with Neville regarding the spending amount in the coming summer; I don’t believe van Gaal will need to spend his full budget to improve his squad. On several occasions, he’s pointed out that United do not need to have the most expensive players on the field. The talent is the first thing he and his scouts will look at, then the price will be somewhat of an afterthought.
I do, however, disagree with one of the positions Neville has pegged. Center back is nonnegotiable, United will either need to sign a proven leader to lead the defense, such as Mats Hummels, or sign a younger player to add squad depth. The midfield position may be less crucial, as there is currently a wealth of central midfield talent at Old Trafford in the likes of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera, etc. Perhaps adding a younger prospect as a long-term replacement to Carrick could be a necessity, such as Marco Verratti, but there is less immediate importance than with the center back position.
As for winger, I wholeheartedly disagree with Neville. I still have faith that Angel di Maria can regain his world-class form if given a full off-season to develop with the team. Ashley Young has flourished under van Gaal’s reign, and I see that continuing into next year despite his age. Adnan Januzaj may yet find his footing, but it could very well be that he either leaves on loan or on a transfer next season. Juan Mata has also played well out of position on the wing in the 4-1-4-1 that’s been working for the Reds in recent weeks.
I’d rather see United go after a true right-back, most likely Nathaniel Clyne, than after a winger. Valencia has played well but is by no means a long-term defensive option and Rafael seems to be all but out the door. Right-back, in my opinion, should be the top priority for van Gaal going into the transfer period. Regardless, it looks as though Memphis Depay is already packing his bags for a switch from PSV Eindhoven to Old Trafford, so I would say United need to make four summer signings to become serious contenders: central defender, right-back, central mid, and winger.
All things considered, Louis van Gaal made several key signings in the previous transfer period, and I expect that to continue this summer as he builds the squad around his philosophy.