Gary Neville believes Manchester United will eventually have to switch to a three-man midfield, a change that could push Bruno Fernandes into a wider role, a prospect he describes as "isn't ideal".
United's midfield conundrum
The Red Devils have managed just one win in their opening three Premier League games, with Fernandes scoring three times. He remains the team's talisman and has thrived as the playmaker, though he has already had to operate from a wider position under Ruben Amorim.
Manager Michael Carrick added three midfielders in the summer, a move widely seen as necessary. Carlos Baleba became the club's most expensive signing when he joined from Brighton, following Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos through the door. Kobbie Mainoo is also considered a big part of the club's future.
Neville's proposed solution
Speaking on the Big Game Preview, Neville explained that fitting all these players into a starting XI may require a shift from the current two-man setup to a three-man system in midfield, which would remove the natural No 10 role.
"The only thing I can see happening eventually is that we'll have to drop one of that front four and play three in midfield. Maybe Youri Tielemans, Carlos Beleba and Kobbie Mainoo, adding an extra midfield player," he said.
"That means sometimes Bruno has to go to the side, which isn't ideal because I think he's better in that number ten spot. But how do we [Manchester United], without changing shape, become more solid so we don't concede every single game? Because if we carry on conceding like this, we won't be in the Champions League. We have to stop conceding goals."
Defensive concerns persist
United's defence has already been flagged as a problem this season, with Carrick's side conceding twice in each of their three games so far. The club have not made a major investment in their back four for the last two summers, and doubts persist about several individuals. Adding a player like Baleba could provide more protection, especially in a three-man unit.
Ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, Neville also suggested that a back four of Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez formed "Manchester United's best eleven".
