Manchester United legend Gary Neville has identified Sandro Tonali, Elliot Anderson and Ezri Konsa as potential summer transfer targets to help the club mount a Premier League title challenge. Speaking during a Sky Sports fan Q&A, Neville was asked to name three realistic signings for the upcoming transfer window.
Neville's Transfer Suggestions
The eight-time Premier League winner emphasised that central midfield and defence are key areas needing reinforcement. 'If you said to me a top centre-half and two good midfield players, that’s what this squad needs right now,' Neville said. He expressed satisfaction with the wide positions, citing Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount as options. Regarding attacking midfield, he noted Bruno Fernandes and Mount provide sufficient cover.
Neville outlined his dream targets as Marquinhos, Declan Rice and Harry Kane, but offered more realistic options: 'I’m going Tonali, Anderson and I’m going Konsa.'
Anderson and Tonali Interest
According to reports from Daily Mail Sport, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson is Manchester United's primary summer target as they seek to enhance their midfield quality. However, Manchester City are currently considered frontrunners for his signature. Sandro Tonali, the Newcastle midfielder, is also on United's shortlist but is expected to command a high transfer fee.
Konsa's Impact at Aston Villa
Ezri Konsa has been instrumental in Aston Villa's rise since joining from Brentford in 2019, amassing 229 appearances. The 28-year-old England international aims to help Villa secure Champions League qualification and win the Europa League this season, before potentially representing England at the summer tournament.
United's Summer Business and Title Prospects
Manchester United's improved form this season has been bolstered by summer signings Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, with Michael Carrick's side closing in on Champions League qualification. Neville believes that with the right additions and potential uncertainty surrounding Manchester City and Arsenal, United could launch a title bid next season.
'Liverpool aren’t ahead of them at the moment in the pecking order, neither are Chelsea, neither are Aston Villa,' Neville said. 'But Manchester United haven’t had to cope with Champions League football or cup competitions this season, so there’s a massive advantage there.' He highlighted the unknown factors of Arsenal's reaction to winning or losing the league, and the ongoing situation at Manchester City regarding Pep Guardiola's future and the 115 charges against the club.
'If Manchester City were to get a big points deduction or Pep Guardiola leaves, and you’ve got Arsenal reeling from not winning it, I would say you are in with a right chance,' Neville added. 'United would have an outside chance but things would need to go their way.'
Currently third in the Premier League, Manchester United are 12 points behind leaders Arsenal with four matches remaining. They need just two points to secure a return to the Champions League next season after a year without European football.
