Neville urges Man Utd to sign two defenders before transfer window slams shut

Gary Neville has demanded Manchester United act before Tuesday’s transfer deadline closes at 11pm, insisting the club must sign both a centre-back and a left-back to avoid another season of defensive vulnerability.

United manager Michael Carrick struck an upbeat tone after Sunday’s 5-2 Premier League win over Ipswich at Old Trafford, saying he was “quite happy” with his squad and hinting that further signings may not follow. The club has spent £155m this summer on midfielders Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba, signed from Aston Villa, Chelsea and Brighton respectively, but has yet to address the backline.

Neville, who commentated on the Ipswich match, was alarmed by what he witnessed despite the comfortable scoreline. “Manchester United’s back four can be got at,” he said on The Gary Neville Podcast. “We knew that because it’s the same defenders as last season and the season before. They conceded 50 last season, so it’s not going to change unless they play better — but also that the midfield two protects them more.”

United have conceded four goals in their opening two Premier League fixtures, and Neville pointed to specific moments against Ipswich as evidence of the problem. Luke Shaw was beaten by Abdul Fatawu for the visitors’ opener, while Lisandro Martinez was dispossessed for their late consolation. Bruno Fernandes’ hat-trick papered over the cracks, but Neville argued the underlying issues remain stark.

The club has already missed out on priority left-back targets. Lewis Hall was unavailable from Newcastle, and United balked at Barcelona’s asking price for Alejandro Balde, leaving Shaw without genuine competition heading into the season.

Neville acknowledged the financial constraints but urged creative thinking. “I don’t know if there are one or two defenders available, but if there are, can you somehow try and advance that money into this window and then spend less next season? Because it would really make a massive difference if they could get a centre-back and a full-back in.”

He also flagged the lack of reliable cover at full-back, noting that when Diogo Dalot and Shaw were withdrawn late against Ipswich, Leny Yoro was deployed at right-back and Noussair Mazraoui at left-back. “That’s not ideal at all,” Neville said. “One of them is makeshift full-back at best.”