Gary Neville praises Varane deal and comments on Manchester United title challenge

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Gary Neville has told Sky Sports he expect Manchester United to improve on last season.

United finished the Premier League season in second place, 12 points behind winners Manchester City.

Neville makes no guarantee United can win the league in 2021/22 but believes the team are more than capable of pushing closer.

Neville said: “I hope they start the season well. Last season in the league was more than acceptable as far I was concerned in terms of the journey, but this season they have got to get nearer. Get close to winning, to challenging for the title, and that’s going to be really tough.”

Varane key to progression

While Neville says Jadon Sancho will give United more balance in attack, he regards the signing of Raphael Varane as the real key to the Red Devils being able to kick on.

Neville said: “Varane is exciting. I think last season every United fan, every commentator, pundit analyst said they need a partner for Harry Maguire. They have got one, so for me now it is going to be an improvement on last season.”

The former United right-back added that he believes Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have done a fine job in defence alongside Harry Maguire, but feels Varane can take the backline to a higher level.

The league season kicks off in just under two weeks, and one problem is Varane is yet to arrive as he is awaiting his visa.

United start the season against Leeds United at home before visiting Southampton eight days later, before another away game at Wolves at the end of the month.

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