Gary Neville gave a rather grim verdict on Manchester United and even Chelsea’s prospects of challenging for the Premier League title this season.
Both teams have experienced contrasting fortunes in the summer transfer window. Manchester United, for example, have signed just one player in Donny van de Beek for €39m, while Chelsea have splashed out €223.2m on four new stars alone. They also welcomed Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr on free transfers.
Hopes of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer adding to his squad also appear remote ahead of United’s season opener against Crystal Palace this evening.
It means the Red Devils will more or less boast the same squad they had last season, which Neville believes won’t be enough. The former captain believes at least three signings are needed to challenge Liverpool and Manchester City.
Although Neville was quick to point out that Chelsea are still on the same boat as his old club despite their big-money arrivals.
“I think Manchester United are in a similar position to Chelsea,” he told Sky Sports.
“They’ve got to make progression from last season, and I don’t have that expectation as a United fan that they’re going to break that top two this season.
“I don’t feel they’re quite ready but they have to make sure that gap is smaller. The have to make sure they close the gap on the top two and make sure they’re progressing.
“A striker, a right winger and a centre-half is a must. At some point in the next couple of years, Manchester United and Chelsea need to be ready to strike when Manchester City and Liverpool drop below that standard. That’s probably going to be when Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp leave.”
Solskjaer’s side will host Palace at Old Trafford this evening, with kick-off set for 18:30 (CET).
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