The Manchester United legend has made it clear that he believes his old team need to sign a central defender in order to really contend for the Premier League title
15:12, 13 Mar 2021Updated 15:12, 13 Mar 2021
Gary Neville has been consistent with his main concern about Manchester United all season long.
"We can talk about [Jadon] Sancho all we like but until United get a centre back who can run and defend one-on-ones they are never going to win the league," the ex-United defender said back in September.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer opted to stick with the options currently at his disposal, with Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly trusted.
That plan hasn’t always looked the most wise, particularly after conceding 11 times in their first three Premier League games.
Gary Neville has been outspoken about Manchester United's decision to not sign a central defender last summer(Image: Sky Sports)
But in recent months, the Red Devils have seemingly found a recipe success, registering three clean sheets on the spin in the league.
For the majority of those games, Solskjaer has started Maguire and Lindelof, although Bailly, 26, has remained a constant in the matchday squad.
Bailly’s contract is set to expire next summer and the United boss has confirmed they have opened talks over a new deal.
"Yeah, we have started talking to Eric and Eric’s representatives," Solskjaer said. "Eric is keeping fitter for longer and you can see his performances as well. I have been very happy with him.
Man Utd have opened talks with Bailly about a new long-term contract(Image: SkySports)
"His playing style has made him lose too many games [through injury] because 100 games, that’s not enough for the period that he has been here. He is getting more and more robust. He is one we are talking to."
That sends the surest sign yet that United could prioritise other positions when the window reopens at the end of this season.
And that’s likely a stance that Neville will disagree with, believing a new defensive arrival is pivotal in the next stage of their development.
"They are never going to win the Premier League with that centre back pairing,” he added.
Bailly and Maguire have shown promising signs of being an effective defensive pairing(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
"They have to get a mobile, dominant centre half in alongside either Lindelof or Maguire.
"Over the years, the best centre back partnerships have always had that really quick one who has lightning pace to get across and snuff out the danger. Lindelof and Maguire just don't have that."
Bailly has shown signs of being that mobile partner for Maguire, whether he is the only long-term plan remains to be seen.
Sign up to the Mirror Football email here for the latest news and transfer gossip.