Neville names just one Man Utd player who'd get in Spurs team after defeat

Gary Neville believes Ruben Amorim will require at least two or three transfer windows to assemble a Manchester United squad capable of playing his preferred system.

United’s struggles continued on Sunday with a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham, leaving them 15th in the Premier League with just four wins from Amorim’s first 14 league matches.

Amorim had initially wanted to delay his move to Old Trafford until the summer—reluctant to leave Sporting mid-season following Erik ten Hag’s sacking—but was told it was a "now or never" opportunity. However, results have only worsened under his leadership.

Despite his difficulties, Amorim remains committed to his three-at-the-back system. However, he has had limited time on the training ground to implement his ideas, and with United needing to sell before they buy this summer, their ability to reshape the squad in his image could be restricted.

Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the former United captain questioned how quickly Amorim and the club’s recruitment team can adapt the current squad to a 3-4-3 formation.

“It’s a peculiar system, 3-4-3. You need two midfielders who can cover a lot of ground, three centre-backs with the outside ones comfortable playing as full-backs, and wing-backs who can push forward.”

“You're asking for specialists throughout the team. It's not like other systems, which are a little more forgiving.”

Given United’s financial struggles and Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) restrictions, Neville believes it will take at least two or three transfer windows to reshape the squad.

"They've lost £300 million in the last three years. There's a real struggle to spend the money they need in the transfer market."

Neville also delivered a damning verdict on United’s squad, claiming that only captain Bruno Fernandes would make it into Tottenham’s starting XI based on performance levels.

"You'd want Bruno in there. Maybe Amad, but if you’re picking between [Dejan] Kulusevski and Amad, I’d probably go with Kulusevski.”

"Every single Tottenham player, probably barring one, is better than every single Manchester United player."

Neville pointed to United’s history of players thriving after leaving the club, suggesting Old Trafford’s current environment is stifling talent.

"What happens to these players when they get here? We've seen players leave United and thrive again elsewhere."

With uncertainty on and off the pitch, Neville emphasized that United need to finally commit to a long-term plan under Amorim.

"Hopefully in the next two or three years, Ruben Amorim is given the time to build a successful team and squad."