16 August 2023 , 09:31
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Gary Neville has urged Erik ten Hag to make two more signings for Manchester United before next month's transfer deadline.
The Red Devils have already splashed the cash this summer on deals for Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund in a bid to build on last season's third-place finish in the Premier League.
And although it is understood that Ten Hag has designs on further bolstering his squad before September 1, there is an acceptance at Old Trafford that any additional transfer funds will have to be raised through player sales. After being asked to rate United's transfer window out of 10 by a fan on X, Neville outlined the two areas of the squad he feels still need further investment.
He responded to the post saying: "I'd say currently a solid 6.5 out of 10. We don't know fully how the three signings are doing to do so it could shift up or down. I wanted a proven striker with Hojland and another MDF. Let’s see what happens."
Neville's comments on social media came less than 24 hours after he talked up Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat - a reported Manchester United transfer target - on Sky Sports.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
United have already sold Fred to Fenerbahce and Scott McTominay could follow him out the door amid interest from Premier League rivals, and Neville believes Ten Hag will ensure that any new midfield signing will be technically proficient.
Join the debate! Where do you think Man Utd need to strengthen before September 1? Let us know here.
Sofyan Amrabat is understood to be a summer transfer target for Manchester United (Getty Images)"He wants everybody on that pitch to be able to play the ball his way," Neville said on Monday Night Football. "What I will say is Amrabat could come in and play alongside Casemiro, perhaps give him some help. Look, he got absolutely torn to shreds tonight Casemiro, Manchester United's midfield were non-existent, they got ripped apart by Wolves."
Neville continued: "Last season when they got emptied in midfield, they moved Fernandes forward and ended up putting Fred or McTominay in alongside Casemiro to be more solid.
"He wants to get away from that and that's why he has signed Mason Mount. But I think in certain games he will be forced to bring another midfielder in to play alongside Casemiro to handle the ball."
It is understood United banked an initial €10million (£8.6m) from Fenerbahce for Fred's services - meaning more players will have to be sold if United are to raise the necessary funds to prise Amrabat away from Fiorentina.
While there is scope for others to follow the Brazilian out of the Old Trafford exit, one player who now looks destined to stay put is Harry Maguire.
The former Manchester United captain had been lined up for a £30m transfer to West Ham, but the move collapsed on Wednesday following a delay in negotiations.