"To me they’re the two areas" - Gary Neville names key areas Manchester United must strengthen in January after poor first half of season

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has mentioned two areas that his former side must improve in order to turn a bad spell around. The defender opined that the Red Devils must make sure that their wing-backs are able to effectively discharge their duties.

United have gone from the frying pan into the fire since former Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim took charge of the club. The Portuguese manager has lost six out of the 11 games he has managed as United manager. They are now languishing in the 14th position of the table and are closer to the relegation zone.

Amorim deploys a three-man defense, which is different from the traditional four-man defense that Erik Ten Hag used during his time at Old Trafford. The tactic has obviously not worked so far as the defense has looked at sixes and sevens. Amid Amorim’s struggles, Gary Neville recently reckoned that United need two key signings to restore their fortunes.

Nevill said during his post-match punditry on Sky Sports (via Team Talk):

“Definitely the positions that… look, you could say get a world class centre-forward, get [Alexander] Isak, but that’s never going to happen. I think if you were starting you have to start with the fundamentals of this system which is the wing-backs, they hold it together. If you don’t have the wing-backs functioning up and down, that are able to attack and defend equally as good – and there aren’t many of those around by the way because there aren’t many teams who play wing-backs – then you’re going to struggle."

“So you need two quite unique players in those wide areas and I think that’s the starting point. That’s nothing against [Noussair] Mazraoui and [Diogo] Dalot, they’re very willing and doing the best job that they can. But to me they’re the two areas [that need addressing] in this system," he added.

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Ruben Amorim says Manchester United are in relegation battle after 0-2 loss to Newcastle United

Ruben Amorim has admitted that Manchester United are fighting to avoid relegation after their loss to Newcastle United on Monday, December 30. The loss means the Red Devils are just seven points above the relegation zone.

When Amorim was asked if United were in a battle to avoid the drop, he said (via BBC Sport):

"I think that it is a possibility. We have to be clear with our fans."

He further admitted that losing so many games and having relegation battle discussions is ‘embarrassing for him.

"It is also my fault. The team is not improving. It is a little bit lost in this moment and it is a bit embarrassing to be Manchester United coach and lose a lot of games. I think people are tired of excuses at this club. This club needs a shock."

Manchester United will next be in action in the Premier League against Liverpool on Sunday, January 5.