Gary Neville has openly urged Manchester United to shore up their defensive frailties by bringing in a centre‑back and a full‑back before the transfer window shuts on Tuesday. While United have splashed a hefty £155 million on midfield reinforcements this summer – signing Carlos Balebá, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans – and have also added attacking options such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško during the 2025 summer window, the former England right‑back believes that neglecting the back line could undo much of the progress made elsewhere. In an interview with Sky Sports ahead of United's clash with Ipswich, Neville explained that the club’s current spending pattern resembles a piecemeal approach rather than a wholesale overhaul.
"In a perfect world, if you asked Michael Carrick what he would have done this summer, he would probably say, ‘rebuild the midfield and I would rebuild the defence’," Neville said. He noted that last season United spent roughly £170 million on attackers, and this year they have already committed about £150 million to midfield talent.
"They're doing it piece by piece, which may be sensible – you don’t want to rip the whole squad apart at once," he added. Nevertheless, Neville warned that United’s defensive unit lacks cohesion. "They have some individually decent defenders, but there isn’t a settled back four. When you face sustained pressure or a spate of injuries, that lack of stability will be exposed," he argued.
He stressed that even though the team has not been terrible, the quality of opposition in the Premier League and the Champions League will inevitably highlight any defensive shortcomings. Neville expressed surprise that United have not added a specialist defender, especially when rivals such as Liverpool have been active in the full‑back market. "I'm amazed United haven’t brought anyone in at the back, and I’m equally surprised Liverpool haven’t secured two full‑backs they clearly need," he said. He contrasted this with Arsenal, who are reinforcing despite already sitting at the top of the table, whereas United and Liverpool are not in that position and therefore should be more aggressive in the market.
After United’s 5‑2 victory over Ipswich on Super Sunday, Neville elaborated on his defensive prescription during his own podcast. He highlighted the importance of midfielders shielding the defence, singling out Balebá as the most physical and defensively‑oriented midfielder in the squad. "Balebá provides the fourth‑man profile that helps protect the back four, which has been vulnerable because we are still using the same defenders as last season," Neville explained.
United conceded 50 goals last season, and without a tighter midfield shield, the goal‑conceding trend is likely to continue. He pointed out that United have already let in four goals across two league games this season and created numerous chances against Ipswich in the first half. "If the midfield doesn’t step up, the defence will keep leaking goals," Neville warned.
He argued that United’s strategy of rebuilding the attack last season and the midfield this season seems to be leaving the defence for a later date, potentially a full twelve months away. Neville suggested that if United can identify one or two suitable defenders, they should re‑allocate part of their budget to secure them now and then ease spending next season. "It would make a massive difference if they could get a centre‑back and a full‑back before the deadline," he said.
He cited the end‑of‑game scenario against Ipswich where Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw were substituted, leaving Harry Yoro at right‑back and Noussair Mazraoui at left‑back – both not natural full‑backs. "Yoro is a makeshift right‑back at best, and Mazraoui can play left, but he isn’t the left‑back you want," Neville observed. When asked about potential targets, Neville mentioned Lewis Hall from Newcastle, acknowledging that the Magpies are unlikely to sell. He also referenced Myles Lewis‑Skelly, who could operate as a left‑back but is perhaps more suited to midfield.
"I apologise for naming Hall – it suggests I think he could come, but he’s an outstanding left‑back and Newcastle won’t let him go," Neville said. Neville concluded that United’s defensive issues can be mitigated by becoming more compact and perhaps tweaking the team's structure, but he cautioned that such changes should not compromise the entertaining style that keeps fans engaged. Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures against Everton and Manchester City, he stressed that United must be tighter and more disciplined defensively if they hope to compete.
In summary, Neville’s message is clear: United need to act decisively in the transfer market to add at least one centre‑back and one full‑back before the 11 pm deadline on Tuesday. If they cannot, Carrick will have to devise a tactical solution that compensates for the lack of personnel, but the risk of a leaky defence will remain.
United have already shown interest in several players – they have inquired about Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen (who is expected to receive a new contract), and they continue to monitor the left‑back market for future options, aware that financial prudence may push a major signing into the next window. The club’s current defensive roster includes senior left‑back Luke Shaw, right‑backs Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot, with Balebá able to fill in if necessary, and youngster Harry Amass, who is likely to leave on loan. Until those gaps are filled, United’s back line will remain a vulnerability that could hinder their ambitions for the season.