Gary Neville issues verdict on Man Utd transfers and names one glaring weakness

Gary Neville is surprised that Manchester United splashed over £200million on attacking talent this summer, especially when they still have an unresolved issue elsewhere.

United have signed Matheus Cunha (£62.5m from Wolves), Bryan Mbeumo (£71m from Brentford) and Benjamin Sesko (£74m from RB Leipzig) this summer. Ruben Amorim’s side only scored 44 times in 38 Premier League games last season and have acted to add more firepower to the squad that finished 15th.

They managed to attract the trio of forwards despite not being able to offer any European football this season after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham in May. United have undoubtedly strengthened their attack, but the only other arrival so far this summer is Diego Leon, an 18-year-old left-back.

Former United defender Neville is pleased with the new signings, but thinks there are still major problems that need to be addressed. He has urged them to buy a new goalkeeper after Andre Onana struggled for consistency once again last season.

READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Man Utd get Baleba answer, Liverpool stance on Isak, Arsenal latest

READ MORE: Man Utd transfers news: Carlos Baleba deal off as door opens for two new signings

“Mbeumo, Cunha, Sesko – a lot of eyes on them at United,” Neville said on Sky Sports after Liverpool’s 4-2 win over Bournemouth. “I think Manchester United fans, including myself, are surprised they’ve gone and spent that level of money.

“We thought that obviously after the Europa League final, that the money wouldn’t be there at that level. So to get those three players, who look like a really good profile – two of them have Premier League experience – we need them to do well, because the rest of the team…

“We need a goalkeeper. There are definitely issues with the defence and midfield. But if the three strikers are a real handful and are scoring goals… last season United’s return in front of goal was really poor, so it’s really important that Sesko, Mbeumo and Cunha get off to a really good start.

“We’ve seen a Liverpool striker (Hugo Ekitike) do that tonight. There’s no reason why United strikers can’t go and do that on Sunday.”

United begin their campaign against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Sunday and have until September 1 to make any more additions to their side. The club are desperately trying to offload Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia so they can reinvest in Amorim’s squad.

They are prioritising a holding midfielder, but have also been linked with goalkeepers, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, who is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain, Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez and Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens.

Asked what a good season would be for United, Neville replied: “I think top six would be a good season. I think the four at the top – Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, City – will be difficult to challenge.

“But they could slip into that space where other clubs are, Newcastle, Tottenham, Villa, so that fifth place would be absolutely amazing. Realistically, I think it’s probably going to be between sixth and eighth, but I think fifth is where they have to target.”

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.