Gary Neville has publicly urged Manchester United to shore up their defensive frailties by bringing in both a centre‑back and a full‑back before the transfer window slams shut on Tuesday night. In a candid interview with Sky Sports ahead of United's match against Ipswich, the former England right‑back highlighted the stark contrast between the club's recent spending sprees on attacking talent and the relative neglect of the back line. Neville noted that United have already poured roughly £155 million into the midfield this summer, signing the likes of Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while also adding forwards such as Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško during the 2025 summer window.
He argued that despite these high‑profile acquisitions, the defensive unit remains thin and vulnerable, a weakness that could sabotage the progress the new manager Michael Carrick hopes to achieve. "In a perfect world, if you asked Michael Carrick what he would have done this summer, he would have said, 'rebuild the midfield and I would rebuild the defence'," Neville told Sky Sports. He added that United have already spent around £170 million on attackers last season and about £150 million on midfielders this year, suggesting that the club is taking a piecemeal approach rather than overhauling the entire squad at once.
"They have some decent individual defenders, but there isn’t a settled back four. When you put pressure on them and injuries start to pile up, they will let you down," he warned. The former Manchester United captain emphasized that acquiring a centre‑back and a full‑back before the 11 pm deadline on Tuesday would mitigate the defensive issues that are already evident.
"I'm not saying they've been terrible all the time, but in Champions League football and Premier League matches, you will see problems. It's not being harsh – everyone knows it," Neville said. He expressed surprise that United have not added any defenders, especially when rivals like Liverpool have also been active in the full‑back market. "Arsenal are strengthening even though they’re at the top, while United and Liverpool are not in that position yet, so the lack of defensive signings is puzzling," he added.
Neville later expanded on his thoughts during an episode of The Gary Neville Podcast. He argued that the midfield must protect the back four, and highlighted Carlos Baleba as the most physical and defensively‑oriented midfielder in United's recent signings.
"Baleba provides the fourth midfield option with a defensive profile, which is crucial because United's back four can be exposed," he explained. He reminded listeners that United conceded 50 goals last season and that without a stronger midfield shield, the defence is likely to continue leaking goals.
"They've already let in four in two Premier League games and gave away many chances against Ipswich. If they don’t tighten up, they won’t finish in the top half of the table," Neville warned. He cautioned against a wholesale spending spree, but suggested that redirecting some of the budget allocated for next season into a couple of defensive signings now could make a massive difference. "It’s not about buying a load of players, but United have rebuilt their attack last season and their midfield this season.
It feels like they are waiting another twelve months to rebuild the defence," Neville observed. He named a few potential targets, acknowledging that some may be out of reach. "Lewis Hall at Newcastle is an outstanding left‑back, but I doubt Newcastle will let him go. Myles Lewis‑Skelly could also play left‑back, though he might be better in midfield," he said.
Neville also critiqued United’s recent lineup against Ipswich, where injuries forced Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw off, leaving Leny 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 there," Neville remarked. He suggested that United continue scouting the left‑back market, mentioning that they have already inquired about Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen, though the Dutchman is expected to sign a new contract.
The former defender outlined United’s current defensive options: senior left‑back Luke Shaw, right‑backs Mazraoui and Dalot who can cover the left side, and a young Harry Amass who is likely to leave on loan. Baleba, the new midfield signing, could also be deployed in an emergency full‑back role. Neville stressed that while United may try to restructure the team without new defenders, adding at least one, preferably two, quality signings would dramatically alter the trajectory of the season. "Can Carrick get a defender in the next 48 hours?
If not, how will he reshape the team?" he asked. Looking ahead, United remain active in the transfer market. They have monitored several left‑back candidates, though financial prudence may push a major signing into the next window.
The club’s recent transfer activity includes arrivals such as Baleba (£70 m), Santos (£50 m), Tielemans (£35 m), Tynan Thompson (£8 m), and others on free or undisclosed terms. Meanwhile, several players have departed or been released, including Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, and Malachi Sharpe. In summary, Neville’s message is clear: Manchester United’s defensive shortcomings cannot be ignored any longer. The club must act swiftly, using the remaining budget to secure a reliable centre‑back and a natural full‑back before the deadline.
Without those reinforcements, United risk repeating the defensive lapses of last season, jeopardising their ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.