Gary Neville has urged Manchester United to sign a new centre-back and at least one top-level full-back before the transfer window closes after a 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull City.

Speaking on the Sky Sports podcast, the former United captain criticised the state of Michael Carrick’s defence following the loss at the MKM Stadium. Neville said United were outmatched physically and organisationally by Hull and argued that the defensive unit needs reinforcement in two specific areas.

Neville believes United require a new centre-back and at least one elite full-back, describing those additions as essential if the season is not to unravel early. His assessment comes as the club’s summer recruitment has focused largely on midfield.

A midfield-first window leaves questions at the back

United’s business so far this summer has been dominated by midfield reinforcement. Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos have arrived, while the club are preparing to complete a move for Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba in a deal estimated at £70 million.

Youri Tielemans during a training session with the Belgian national team.

The focus on midfield has left fresh questions over the balance of the squad, particularly after the defensive performance against Hull. Neville warned that concentrating resources in central areas while neglecting the back line could have damaging consequences as the season develops.

Why the Hull defeat has raised concern

Losing to a side newly promoted from the Championship was a difficult result, but the performance also exposed defensive shortcomings. United’s defenders left spaces, made positional errors and struggled to contain Hull’s counter-attacks.

Luke Shaw’s display at left-back drew particular criticism, with Hull’s wide players repeatedly exploiting that flank. The performance raised further questions about United’s options and depth in the full-back positions.

Manchester United have reportedly accelerated talks to sign Alejandro Balde from Barcelona as they look to address the issue before the deadline. Balde was recently left out by Barcelona coach Hansi Flick over concerns about concentration, according to the reports. Centrally, Neville’s call for a new centre-back underlines another area he believes requires attention.

Alejandro Balde posing in the FC Barcelona home kit.Pressure on Carrick and recruitment staff

Neville’s comments add to the pressure on Michael Carrick and United’s recruitment team to address the defensive concerns before the window closes. The club have already invested in midfield, while the Hull result highlighted the need to strengthen the back line.

United are due to host Ipswich Town at the weekend, providing an immediate opportunity to respond to the defeat at Hull. The match will be an important early test as Carrick’s side seek to move on from a disappointing start.

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