Neville urges Pochettino to overhaul Manchester United squad

Gary Neville says Mauricio Pochettino will need major changes to turn Manchester United around, including new defenders in January and reinforcements elsewhere next summer. Pochettino is set to replace Michael Carrick, who was dismissed with United 18th in the Premier League on eight points after 10 games. He will take charge on November 18, after remaining with the United States men’s national team for its games against Haiti.

Neville said Pochettino should secure a substantial budget and control over recruitment. He criticized the club’s recent transfer work and said the new manager should protect his position while working with United’s leadership.

Neville estimates United may need around 10 new players: five or six defenders, two or three midfielders, a goalkeeper and a centre-forward. He said Kobbie Mainoo was the only midfielder he had seen this season who appeared good enough, and called for a major rebuild of the back line.

He also cautioned Pochettino not to mistake a possible early improvement in results for proof that the squad is right. Neville recalled visiting Pochettino at Tottenham, where the coach had quickly separated players he wanted to keep from those he believed should leave. He said Pochettino must make similar judgments at United and that the club has struggled to move players on.

Neville argued Pochettino should treat United as a fresh start, after managers with varied backgrounds have failed to restore the club since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure. He praised Pochettino’s coaching, experience and work with young players, while describing the job as a formidable challenge. He said whether the appointment comes at the right time will become clearer over the next year or two.