Gary Neville warns Manchester United’s defence could send them down to the Championship

Gary Neville says Manchester United’s failure to sign a defender during the summer transfer window has left them at serious risk of relegation after their 4-4 draw with Aston Villa.

United go into the November international break 18th in the Premier League, having twice allowed Aston Villa to surrender a two-goal lead in an extraordinary match at Old Trafford.

Although United recovered from behind on both occasions, their position is their lowest at this stage of a season since 1986. They are also without a win in their past eight league matches, a run they have only experienced once before.

Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu formed United’s back four at the final whistle. Neville believes that defence will struggle to prevent the club from dropping into the Championship.

“The reason Manchester United conceded four goals is that they did not invest in defence during the transfer window,” Neville said on NBC Sports.

“Everyone knew they had to do it. They needed defenders. The defenders they have now are making mistake after mistake,” he added, according to the Metro.

Neville was particularly critical of the players who finished the match against Aston Villa.

“The defenders who ended that game will get you relegated,” he said. “Look at the defensive errors. We were all calling during the transfer window for them to sign defenders.”

He concluded: “They should have increased their transfer budget and brought in defenders.”