Gary Neville has declared Bruno Fernandes to be Manchester United's finest signing since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson, citing the midfielder's crucial role in the team's recent 5-2 victory over Ipswich. However, Neville also voiced significant concerns regarding the team's defensive frailties.
Manc hester United secured their first Premier League win of the season against Ipswich on Sunday, recovering from an opening-day defeat. Fernandes was instrumental in the win, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist. This performance followed his recognition as the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year, an award he received after breaking the Premier League assist record last season, becoming the first United player to earn the honor since Wayne Rooney in 2010.
Neville stated on the Gary Neville podcast that Fernandes is 'by a mile' the club's best acquisition since Ferguson retired in 2013. He praised the midfielder's courage, belief, and consistent output of goals and assists, highlighting his ability to impact games positively with killer passes and goal-scoring. Neville believes Fernandes is an outstanding player, essential to Manchester United, especially alongside a strong attacking unit capable of scoring many goals.
Despite the offensive success against newly promoted Ipswich, Neville expressed apprehension about Manchester United's defense. The team has conceded four goals in their first two matches, and Ipswich created multiple chances to increase their two-goal tally at Old Trafford.
Neville emphasized the critical role of the midfield pairing in protecting the defense this season. He suggested that defensive improvements are unlikely unless the midfield offers more support or the existing defenders elevate their performance. He noted that the same defensive unit that conceded 50 goals last season remains in place.
"That has to happen or else they will concede a lot of goals, they have conceded four in two [games] already, that would be the concern," Neville remarked. He believes signing a center-back and a full-back before the transfer window closes would significantly benefit the team, stating it would "really make a massive difference."