Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has called for the club to sign a centre-back and a full-back before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.

Gary Neville has publicly encouraged Manchester United to strengthen their defensive line before the transfer window closes on Tuesday at 11pm. Despite significant investment in the midfield and attack over the last two seasons, Neville argues that the club's current defensive frailties under head coach Michael Carrick could undermine their progress.

Defensive Concerns Under Carrick

Neville expressed concern that Manchester United's back four remains vulnerable, noting that the team conceded 50 goals last season. He highlighted that the current squad lacks depth, forcing makeshift solutions such as playing Leny Yoro at right-back and Noussair Mazraoui at left-back when senior players like Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw are unavailable. Neville suggested that if the club cannot secure new defensive signings, Carrick will need to find a way to structure the team to be more compact to avoid conceding goals.

Transfer Market Activity

Manchester United has spent £155 million this summer on midfielders Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans, following previous investments in attackers Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Regarding potential defensive additions, the club has inquired about Aston Villa's Ian Maatsen and has long-standing interest in Newcastle's Lewis Hall, though both clubs have indicated the players are not available or are being offered new contracts. The club continues to monitor the left-back market, though financial considerations may make a major signing in that position more likely in future windows.