£150m not enough! Neville says United spending must continue
Manchester United must splash at least another £100 million ($207.8m) over the next two transfer windows to be considered serious titles contenders again, according to former defender Phil Neville.
Despite embarking on a £150m summer overhaul that has seen the arrival of world class stars like Angel di Maria and Radamel Falcao, the Red Devils have endured a difficult start to life under new manager Louis van Gaal.
The Dutchman has overseen United's worst start to a Premier League season with just five points from five games, including a shocking 5-3 capitulation at Leicester City on Sunday despite twice holding a two-goal lead.
Neville, who was also a coach under David Moyes' doomed regime last season, believes that his former club must splash more cash to address their squad's apparent weaknesses if they are to force their way into the title reckoning again.
Key positions
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 live, the 37-year-old said: "I think there's another two transfer windows of similar amounts of money needed - maybe £100m - before they can even think about winning the title.
"There are still key positions in the team that need filling. I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area. Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing too.
"There were no world-class centre-backs out there (this summer). I think that's why in the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender."
Throughout the summer, United were continually linked with moves for Borussia Dortmund's World Cup winner Mats Hummels and Juventus' Chilean enforcer Arturo Vidal but neither transfer materialised.
Despite highlighting United's shortcomings at the back, Neville believes that the Old Trafford outfit can rely on Chris Smalling and Phil Jones to step into the breach.
He said: "I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well.
"They've bought of a lot of foreign players, you don't get rid of your English spine."
Source: PA Sport
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