Gary Neville gives stark verdict on what Man Utd needs after dour 0-0 against City

Gary Neville has issued a stark assessment of Manchester United’s squad, claiming that manager Ruben Amorim needs five new signings to successfully implement his preferred tactical system following a lackluster showing against Manchester City.

Speaking on Sky Sports after the Manchester Derby, the former United captain highlighted the mismatch between the current roster and Amorim’s ambitious 3-4-3 formation, urging the club to back their new boss in the transfer market.

United’s defeat—or potentially a draw—at the Etihad Stadium exposed familiar shortcomings, with Neville pointing to deficiencies across multiple positions.

“The three up front, the two behind, and the one in midfield, plus the two wing-backs—they’re not good enough,” Neville said. “Amorim’s got a system, a clear way he wants to play, but this squad isn’t built for it. They need to serve him with five players who can execute his vision properly.”

Amorim, who took over from Erik ten Hag earlier this season, has stuck doggedly to his 3-4-3 setup, a hallmark of his successful tenure at Sporting CP.

His first major signing, left wing-back Patrick Dorgu, arrived in a £30m deal from Lecce during the winter transfer window, offering a glimpse of his intent. However, results have been inconsistent, and the Derby performance underscored the gaps Neville believes must be addressed.

“The front three lack the cohesion and finishing power you need in a 3-4-3,” Neville explained. “The two attacking midfielders behind them—whether it’s Bruno Fernandes or someone else—aren’t controlling games like they should.

"The central midfielder, Casemiro or whoever, is getting overrun, and the wing-backs aren’t dynamic enough going forward or solid enough defensively. It’s a long list, and it’s not all Amorim’s fault—he’s inherited this.”

Neville’s comments come amid a season of transition for United, with Amorim tasked with reversing years of underachievement. The pundit acknowledged the Portuguese manager’s early promise, including a notable win over City earlier in his tenure, but stressed that patience must be paired with investment.

“He’s shown he can get a tune out of them in moments, but to do it week in, week out, he needs the right tools. Two or three transfer windows might not even be enough—it’s a big rebuild.”

The Derby itself, while not detailed in full, appeared to frustrate Neville, who also criticized the “love-in” between players at full-time, suggesting a lack of intensity.

Amorim responded post-match, defending his squad’s effort but admitting the adaptation to his system remains a work in progress. “We’re building something,” he told Sky Sports. “Gary can say what he wants—he’s paid to talk—but I understand the process takes time.”

With United languishing outside the top four and facing a crucial run of fixtures, Neville’s call for reinforcements puts pressure on co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s hierarchy.

Potential targets remain speculative, but fans will hope the summer window brings the quality needed to turn Amorim’s blueprint into reality. For now, Neville’s verdict is clear: without five key additions, United’s new era risks stalling before it truly begins.