Phil Neville believes Manchester United are '£100m off winning title'

Giggs and Van Gaal during Manchester United’s loss to Leicester City

Phil Neville believes Manchester United’s £150 million summer spree is not enough to secure a Premier league title and that they need to spend at least one-third of that amount to be title challengers again.

"I know United have spent £150m," Neville told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I think there's another two transfer windows of similar amounts of money needed - maybe £100m - before they can even think about winning the title."

A former player and coach at the club, Neville was frank about what was lacking in the team.

He believes "there are still key positions in the team that need filling".

"I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area," Neville said. "Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing [too]."

The club didn’t sign an established centre-back in the window despite exits of stalwarts Vidic and Ferdinand, but the former Everton captain defended United’s English defenders Phil Jones and Chris Smalling.

"That squad needed quality, not just run-of-the-mill players, they needed world-class players," Neville said.

"And there were no world-class centre-backs out there. I think that's why in the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender.

"I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well. They've bought of a lot of foreign players, you don't get rid of your English spine."

“@YesConor: @BBCSport @ManUtd @fizzer18 So two CBs cost 200m? Great maths phillip!” Top CB & top CM would cost £100m!

— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) September 23, 2014