Gary Neville blasts 'embarrassing' Manchester United

Gary Neville has blasted his former side Manchester United over their 'embarrassing' transfer business.

The former defender feels the club is not 'smart enough', and have not been decisive enough in the pursuit of key targets.

The club has been chasing former Manchester City winger Jadon Sancho, but have not been able to strike a deal despite their long interest.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have only made a single signing, with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, and Arsenal strengthening.


“I just don’t think they’re smart enough and wise enough and agile enough in the market,” Neville told Off The Ball.

“I was reading that Liverpool have accepted a bid for Rhian Brewster for £24m from Sheffield United. Liverpool aren’t just buying smart, they’re selling smart.

“I look at Chelsea and I think they buy smart, they seem to sell smart over the last 15 to 20 years.

“City spend a lot of money but they seem to get deals done, whereas United just don’t seem to be able to get the deals done. Even with Harry Maguire last year, it dragged on right the way to the end, Sancho this year. They don’t seem to be able to get deals over the line, they don’t get things done efficiently or quietly.


“Liverpool announced [Diogo] Jota and Thiago [Alcantara] – I know Thiago had been linked for a bit – but it’s done at reasonable prices, £27m and £40m, no hundreds so I just think they’re not smart enough.

“They’re being outwitted in the market by the other clubs and if you lose recruitment you don’t win the league, it’s as simple as that. You can have a great coach but if you don’t get the right players you’re not going to win the league.

“The Sancho thing is embarrassing. It’s been going on now for fourth months. It’s embarrassing, that.

“And then to put a bid in that gets rejected… the smart clubs, they have deals sorted behind the scenes, the agents are working hard, club officials are agreed on things and when the bids goes in it gets accepted, it’s done.

“Who puts bids in nowadays that aren’t accepted? That doesn’t happen that often. Very rarely.

United have been linked with a number of top players through the transfer window, with Edinson Cavani, the latest as the transfer deadline ticks closer.