Gary Neville has insisted that Manchester United have made a “panic” signing after claiming he was “worried” about the club’s transfer business.
United manager Erik ten Hag overhauled his squad in the summer transfer window with the early signings of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
However, Ten Hag has come under criticism early in the season over United’s performances, despite a string of new signings arriving at Old Trafford.
The former Ajax boss continued his summer shopping spree with the permanent additions of Altay Bayindir, Jonny Evans, Sergio Reguilon and Sofyan Amrabat.
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Neville on United’s ‘panic’ signing
Ten Hag was forced to enter the transfer market in the pursuit of a new left-back option after Luke Shaw had been ruled out due to injury.
Back-up left-back Tyrell Malacia is also sidelined, with Diogo Dalot having stepped into Shaw’s position for United’s stunning 3-2 comeback win over Nottingham Forest.
United completed a move for Tottenham full-back Sergio Reguilon on deadline day, with the Spurs defender signing on a season-long loan.
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Speaking on Sky Sports, Gary Neville believes that the 26-year-old Spain international’s arrival at Old Trafford was a “reaction” to Shaw’s injury.
“The Reguilon one is definitely a reaction to the situation that has occurred — it is more of a panic,” he said.
Neville ‘worried’ about United’s transfer business
United fans breathed a sigh of relief after the club entered the window late in a bid to add strength to Ten Hag’s injury-hit squad.
Amrabat finally arrived at Old Trafford from Serie A side Fiorentina on a loan deal, with an obligation for United to buy him at the end of the season.
Evans, who left Leicester City at the end of last season, spent the pre-season back at Old Trafford before he received a short-term contract from United.
Neville has insisted that United are nowhere closer to competing against crosstown rivals Manchester City, despite buying new players in the summer.
“I was worried [three weeks ago] that the Mount, Onana and Hojlund signings hadn’t made United any better and if anything, they have just maintained where they are at,” he said.
“I think what we have seen in the first couple of weeks is a little bit worrying because the performance levels have been well below what I would expect.
“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.
“I think we will get better but I am a little bit more worried than I was a few weeks ago, but I was never bought into this idea that we were better — I said that a few weeks ago.”