Manchester United might have spent £150m this summer, but Phil Neville believes they’ll need to spend almost as many if they’re to win the Premier League anytime soon.
Amid the cash they splashed on Angel Di Maria, Ander Herrera, Daley Blind and Radamel Falcao, United also secured two defenders, Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw. The former hasn’t impressed so far, while the latter is yet to make his official debut for United, with Louis Van Gaal’s already limited defensive options further depleted by an injury crisis.
Neville said that United will have to invest huge amount of money on their rearguard if they’re to be considered among the title contenders.
“I think there’s another two transfer windows of similar amounts of money needed – maybe £100m – before they can even think about winning the title,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“There are still key positions in the team that need filling. I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area. Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing too.
“There were no world-class centre-backs out there [this summer]. I think that’s why in the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender.”
However, he backed the England internationals Jones and Smalling to prove their worth eventually to the club.
“I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well,” he said. “They’ve bought of a lot of foreign players, you don’t get rid of your English spine.”
