Manchester United legend, Gary Neville, has recently unveiled a list of six players the club should aim to sign this summer. This comes as part of a proposed strategy to revitalize the team after their worst-ever Premier League season.
The Red Devils are expected to undergo significant changes under co-owners Ineos. The first step in this transformation is anticipated to be the signing of Wolves ace Matheus Cunha. Reports suggest that Man Utd will trigger his £62.5million release clause once the current season concludes.
However, according to Old Trafford veteran Neville, securing Cunha is just the beginning. He insists that at least six new signings are necessary for Ruben Amorim's squad rebuild project.
Rocky start for Amorim
Ruben Amorim has had a challenging start since taking charge of Man Utd with only six wins out of 26 league games under his belt. However, there have been glimmers of hope as they remain unbeaten in ten matches in the Europa League - an achievement that secured them a spot in Wednesday's final in Bilbao.
Despite these positive strides on European soil, domestic challenges persist as they face Tottenham - who have already defeated Man Utd three times this season - twice in league matches and once in Carabao Cup competition. Neville candidly expressed his anxiety about this crucial match-up and its significance for both clubs currently languishing at 16th and 17th positions respectively on Premier League table.
Gary Neville, Manchester United legend, said:
"There has been a lot of instability off the pitch in respect of the non-playing staff and there has been a lot of instability on the pitch with the changes of manager and changes to the squad. That has got to stop at some point and they’ve got to embed in Ruben’s team, let them develop. I think this time next year we’ll know a lot more, when we see whether Ruben can build a successful team.
"Christmas next year we’ll know a lot more, because I think Ruben needs to get that second transfer window. He needs a proper pre-season with the team to embed this system and this style of play. We’ll know a lot more in October, November, December when I’m sure they’ll be winning more matches than they are now. It needs a big overhaul in the summer. Five or six players minimum to be able to change the direction of how he wants to play.
"There’s at least two forwards, a central midfield player, definitely two wing backs and another centre-back. They need six players minimum. Ruben has been very good at identifying the players he wants out of the club; that’s really clear to everybody. The club’s job now is to get them out and get replacements in that he likes and wants in his team.”
Backing rather than sacking
Like Neville, fellow 'Class of '92' graduate David Beckham also believes that backing manager Ruben Amorim during the summer window is more beneficial than sacking him amidst these trying times.
David Beckham, Manchester United legend, said:
"Ruben needs to be backed as a manager to bring in his team and his philosophy; he’s trying that already but I think once he brings his team in and his players, then you’ll see something different.
“I’d like to think you wouldn’t have to sell your captain (Bruno Fernandes). He has been exceptional. We’ve all been critical at times of some United players — but when we needed someone to step up, he has done it.
“I also hate (the idea of) any young player who has grown up at United leaving the club. We shouldn’t be selling players purely for financial reasons."
It seems clear from both legends' perspectives that Manchester United's revival hinges on a strategic squad overhaul, with at least six new signings and continued support for their current manager. Only time will tell if these recommendations will be heeded and whether they can indeed turn the tide for this iconic football club.
