- after Tottenham defeat, insisting Erik ten Hag ‘will have big problems’ this season if they don’t buy another this summer
Gary Neville has warned Manchester United will have ‘big problems’ this season if they fail to sign another midfielder before the transfer window closes.
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The pundit was incensed during United’s 2-0 defeat against Tottenham as the Red Devils’ deficiencies in the middle of the park were ruthlessly exposed by Ange Postecoglou’s side in the second half.
Erik ten Hag has spent nearly £180million during the summer window, bringing in high-profile signings including Mason Mount from Chelsea for £60m and Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana for £47m.
Rasmus Hojlund was also drafted in from Serie A side Atalanta to lead the line for the Manchester club for £72m but the Dane is yet to make his debut as he is injured.
Neville, speaking during co-commentary, suggested bringing in a new No 6 to play alongside Casemiro was vital to Man United’s future success.
‘Ten Hag wants a No 6 who can play alongside Casemiro and at the moment the club can’t get players out to be able to fund that,’ he said.
‘If they look at the first two weeks, they have to fund it or there will be big problems.
‘What’s clear is that Ten Hag doesn’t want to revert back to (Scott) McTominay. He has seen him for a year, and he has played alongside Casemiro, and he is doing everything but get him on.
‘He wants people to accept the ball, probably not the best because McTominay’s strengths lie in other areas. He’s probably not good enough on the ball to be a Man United player but would at least make a difference in this game.’
The pundit went on to suggest that the manager was looking to manage McTominay ‘out of the club’.
‘United’s midfield needs bolstering,’ he continued. ‘Erik ten Hag might have to go back to McTominay and beef it up, but he doesn’t seem to want to do that. Looks like he’s trying to manage him out of the club.’
McTominay was the subject of a £30m bid from West Ham, which was rejected by United as it falls short of their valuation of around £40m.
The Scotland international came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Wolves on Monday but was not called upon by Ten Hag on Saturday – despite their clear issues in midfield.