Manchester United could be third at the Premier League table with a game to play, but Gary Neville believes they need three or four purchases to get a chance to finish third next year.
The Red Devils need a win over Leicester on the last day of Sunday’s season to confirm third place in the Premier League standings, although a draw may prove sufficient if Chelsea fail to beat the Wolves.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team has not been defeated in the Premier League since January, but Neville believes he must make at least three more signings to progress.
Not only does the former English international not see this team challenging for next season’s title, but he doesn’t even think he could make it to third without “three or four” additions.
“I don’t think this Manchester United team can challenge the title for next season right now,” Neville told Sky Sports. ‘It needs more additions and more of the right additions.
‘To be honest with Ole, in the time he has been in the club, I think the players he has brought have greatly improved his team.
“I think he needs at least three or four more of these before he even thinks about third or second place.”
Neville insisted that improvements to the initial XI are not necessarily necessary, but he wants to see that United has more high-level options in each position.
The former full-back regularly asked Solskjaer to add another center forward to his ranks, but he could still see Anthony Martial fill that role in the coming season.
“My concern isn’t really about the top three or midfield three, it’s the depth and the drop you have under that talent,” Neville continued.
‘When I say that Manchester United needs a center forward, I am not saying that they should sell Anthony Martial.
‘They need a center forward because Manchester United should have two or three center forward.
‘They should have two or three large wings. Not just one in every position. ‘
The Red Devils enter the final game of the season level on points with Chelsea, who is behind them in fourth place by goal difference.
Leicester is a point behind both teams and on Sunday hosts United in a victory that wins all the races in the race for the Champions League.
OTHER: Manchester United would like to appoint football manager this summer
MORE: Jesse Lingard names the top two players from the time of the Manchester United academy
Follow Metro Sport through our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more stories like this, check out our sports page.
