Manchester United are in need of midfield reinforcements before the summer transfer window closes next Monday, according to former Red Devils defender Gary Neville.
After enduring their worst ever Premier League season in 2024-25, finishing 15th and failing to qualify for Europe, Man United have made a winless start to the new campaign, picking up only one point from their opening two games.
Ruben Amorim’s side suffered a slender 1-0 home defeat to Arsenal before letting a one-goal lead slip to draw 1-1 with Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend.
While Neville was encouraged by some aspects of Man United’s performance in their opening-weekend loss to Arsenal, he witness some “old scars reappearing” in the draw at Fulham and has highlighted the midfield as an area that needs strengthening.
Bruno Fernandes, who missed a first-half penalty at Craven Cottage, started as captain alongside 33-year-old Casemiro, while Manuel Ugarte came on as a second-half substitute, but Kobbie Mainoo watched the entire match from the bench.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro of Manchester United on August 24, 2025
Neville: ‘Man Utd must do business in midfield now’
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the ex-Red Devils captain said: "[My optimism] has been checked slightly because it felt like there were a couple of the old scars reappearing and opening up.
"I think the goalkeeper (Altay Bayindir) is still looking very shaky on those crosses from corners, which can't continue because that anxiety builds, and then in central midfield I think United have to do a piece of business now.
"I would have liked to have thought that Mainoo could step up and be that person, but it's quite clear that at this moment in time Ruben Amorim is not having him.
"He starts with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, he then puts Mason Mount back in there and then he brings Ugarte on in front of him, which tells you he's fourth-choice really.
"That means that they are going to need to get something sorted because it's going to be a problem.
"The two in there do get exposed when that front three are just a little bit higher and that back five get pushed back a bit. Those gaps, those acres of space seem to open up, and I thought United got cut through quite a few times in the second half.
"I think Bruno Fernandes is part of that in there and [Amorim] is going to have to sort it out."
Angelo Stiller of Stuttgart after his side's match against Werder Bremen, on November 30, 2024
Which midfielders could Man Utd sign before transfer deadline?
Earlier this month, Man United expressed a strong interest in Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba, but the Seagulls have made it clear that the 21-year-old is not for sale this summer.
The Cameroon international would allegedly be open to joining Man United, but his valuation in excess of £100m is thought to be a major stumbling block.
Amorim’s side have recently been linked with potential midfield alternatives including Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller, who is said to be viewed as a more viable option, though club-to-club contact is yet to take place.
Man United have also been tipped to make an ambitious move for Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, while Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Atalanta BC's Ederson have also been linked with a potential late move to Old Trafford.
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