Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has named Ryan Gravenberch as the one Liverpool player he would sign for the Red Devils.
Gravenberch joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023. He was initially used as a squad player before establishing himself as a regular starter.
The Netherlands international was instrumental in the Reds’ 2024/25 Premier League triumph. He was named the division’s Young Player of the Year in recognition of his performances.
However, his form dipped last season, contributing to Liverpool’s disappointing campaign.
Despite his struggles last term, Neville believes Gravenberch is the only Liverpool player he would sign for the current United squad.
“I’d go with Gravenberch. If you said to me, ‘United, now, who would I take?’, I’d take Gravenberch probably,” he told The Overlap.
“He’s the best of the three midfielders that United would need and we need a midfielder desperately.
“The [Liverpool] forwards are good but I wouldn’t probably swap them over Mbeumo, Cunha, Bruno, Amad… I don’t think I’d be jumping at taking any of them.
“I think they’ve got potential to go and do brilliant things, but they’ve not proved it yet, so I’d go with Gravenberch.”
United are not expected to make a move for Gravenberch, given their fierce rivalry with Liverpool. The Dutch midfielder also recently signed a new long-term contract, making it even more difficult to lure him away from Reds.
Moreover, the Mancunian giants already have two midfielders—Andrey Santos and Kobbie Mainoo—who share several attributes with Gravenberch.
Santos is a progressive carrier, who is also capable of winning duels and contributing in the final third, much like the Liverpool ace. However, he offers a greater goal threat.
Mainoo, meanwhile, is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and progressing play through tight spaces, traits he shares with Gravenberch.
After signing Santos, United are closing in on a deal for Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans, further reducing the likelihood of a move for Gravenberch.