Nev: Reds will finish third or fourth
GARY Neville believes United could mount a credible title challenge if they are still in the reckoning come January – and add two defenders to their squad.
The Reds showed interest in central defenders Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire, Jerome Boateng and Yerry Mina in the summer but failed to reinforce a defensive spine which has shipped seven goals in four Premier League games.
Right-back Diogo Dalot, 19, was the only defensive signing United made and the Portuguese is yet to make his debut due to a meniscus injury.
Neville claims United need to tighten up at the back.
He said: “[I’m] still hopeful that somehow, through siege mentality more than anything, they can mount some sort of challenge that really just disrupts people.
“If they can stay in it until January and maybe get one or two defenders in, they may have a chance, but I doubt it. I think United will be third or fourth.
“I liked the Tottenham game, certainly the first 40 minutes. I watched Burnley and thought it was really good. I am hopeful they have turned a corner.”
Former United captain Neville also advised Paul Pogba to not stoop to ‘mercenary’ levels. He said: “If I was still in that dressing room giving personal advice it would be, ‘Paul, it’s obvious you want to play somewhere else but be professional.’”