I am worried for Manchester United — Gary Neville

Manchester United’s transfer activity on Deadline Day has come under scrutiny from former player and pundit Gary Neville.

Despite securing the signatures of four players, including Sofyan Amrabat on a season-long loan with an option to buy, Neville expressed concerns about the club’s overall transfer strategy.

According to renowned football journalist David Ornstein, Manchester United agreed to an initial €10 million (£8.5 million) loan fee for Amrabat, with an additional €20 million (£17 million) option to buy and €5 million (£4.2 million) in potential add-ons.

The club will also cover the Moroccan international’s salary.

Amrabat’s arrival followed the signings of Altay Bayindir, Sergio Reguilon, and Jonny Evans on Deadline Day. The club’s decision to make these acquisitions was partly driven by an underwhelming start to the season and a defensive injury crisis.

Sergio Reguilon, for instance, was brought in on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

Neville suggested that this move appeared more reactive and panicky in response to the injury situation.

In a conversation with fellow pundit Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, Neville voiced his concerns:

“The Reguilon one is definitely a reaction to the situation that has occurred – it is more of a panic. I was worried (three weeks ago) that the [Mason] Mount, [Andre] Onana, and [Rasmus] Hojlund signings hadn’t made United any better and if anything, they have just maintained where they are at.”

Neville also expressed disappointment with Manchester United’s performance in the early weeks of the season, stating,

“Nowhere near Manchester City, I don’t think any United fan is expecting that, but what we wanted was to get closer to Arsenal and make sure we stay above Chelsea, Liverpool, and all the other clubs. That’s the issue at the moment.”

However, Neville had a different view on Sofyan Amrabat’s signing:

“I don’t think the Amrabat one is a panic because they have wanted him from day one. I think he’s [Ten Hag] wanted a ball-playing midfield player. I don’t think it’s a panic. Erik ten Hag wants a player like this, and I just don’t know why it hasn’t happened earlier.”