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Gary Neville gives verdict on Man Utd's summer transfer business


Manchester United legend Gary Neville has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer a seal of approval for his patient and “clever” transfer strategy.

The Red Devils were expected to drastically overhaul their underperforming squad after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.

But it turned into a more subdued transfer window than expected, with just three new additions in the form of Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.

Despite rumours regarding a number of first team players, they offloaded only Romelu Lukaku and Ander Herrera, who left on a free transfer having not agreed a new contract.

Neville believes Solskjaer would have been keen to get rid of more names as he looks to move away from “poor transfer strategy” in recent years.

But the former England right-back reckons a more gradual overhaul of the squad is necessary to avoid decimating the dressing room and the quality of their side.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s transfer policy has been given a seal of approval by Gary Neville

“I think there are three or four players at Old Trafford who have higher levels of quality that in a perfect world, Ole would probably like them all out at once,” Neville told ESPN .

“But actually, if they left it would weaken the team that badly it’d mean that they wouldn’t challenge for the Champions League. I think what Ole has to do is to get rid of one at a time. I think it’s a clever transition out of what has been a poor transfer strategy for the last four or five years.

Paul Pogba has remained at Old Trafford despite a summer of speculation

“You can’t get out of it in one year, it’s going to take two or three years of good culture and tone, in terms of what they’re doing, to get out of what they’ve done. You can’t lose Lukaku, Pogba, [Anthony] Martial all in one – you’d be absolutely decimated.

“The dressing room would be shot to pieces. You could maybe lose them over a period of two or three years if they wanted to leave.”

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is in line for his Man Utd Premier League debut against Chelsea

The new-look Red Devils squad arrived at the Lowry Hotel on Saturday night ahead of their Premier League opener against Chelsea on Sunday.

They could hand debuts to summer signings Maguire, Wan-Bissaka and James, whilst Pogba is also fit to feature after missing their final pre-season game against AC Milan with back spasms.

Welsh winger Daniel James could also make his Premier League debut

Anthony Martial has been handed the No.9 shirt after the departure of Lukaku, but Marcus Rashford is expected to lead the line whilst youngster Mason Greenwood is set to be name in the squad after his impressive pre-season breakthrough.

Solskjaer declared his relief the day after the transfer window shut as he now focuses on getting the most out of his players – starting this weekend.

“I think when the transfer window closes it’s that great feeling of relief,” Solskjaer said.

Marcus Rashford is expected to lead the line against Chelsea at Old Trafford

“Now it’s done now, we know (who) we’re looking forward with and I’m delighted with the three we’ve signed.

“Well (frustration) is not the feeling inside the club anyway and the feeling with the fans I’ve met, they are excited with the ones we’ve had.

“Of course, there is always going to be fans out there wanting to sign players. That’s just part and parcel of being here.

“The players are here now, they’ve been shown that trust and we believe in them.”





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