Gary Neville has singled out what he sees as the only successful signing Manchester United has made in the past decade, voicing strong criticism of the club’s recruitment since Sir Alex Ferguson’s exit.

Gary Neville’s recent critique shines a spotlight on Manchester United’s ongoing difficulties in returning to the heights they once reached under Sir Alex Ferguson. Despite significant investments in new players, United has yet to achieve the consistency and success fans have come to expect. Neville attributes this shortfall to poor managerial appointments and lackluster signings, many of which have failed to live up to their potential.
The former United defender, now a well-known pundit, stressed that the club’s recruitment strategy has lacked a cohesive vision, with a string of signings that have struggled to fit into a clear long-term plan.
Among these, Neville views Bruno Fernandes as the only consistent success since joining from Sporting CP in 2020. Fernandes has delivered with vital goals, assists, and leadership, quickly becoming a central figure at Old Trafford.
In contrast, many other acquisitions have fallen short, with their substantial transfer fees yet to be justified by on-field impact. Neville’s observations underscore the need for Manchester United to overhaul their approach to recruitment, aiming for future signings that better align with the club’s long-term goals.
The club’s challenges have only been amplified by frequent managerial changes. Since Ferguson’s departure, David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer have all attempted to bring back success but ultimately came up short. The current manager, Erik ten Hag, now faces immense pressure to reverse the club’s fortunes.
Neville’s comments resonate with supporters who have watched United slip from their former Premier League dominance to an unpredictable mid-table side. He called on the club’s leadership to rethink their recruitment approach, adopting a strategy that is both sustainable and focused on securing high-quality talent.
United’s recent struggles serve as a cautionary tale, underscoring the critical importance of effective recruitment, sound management, and organizational continuity in building a successful club. For Manchester United to reclaim their place among the Premier League’s elite, Neville’s words highlight the challenges that lie ahead.
As Neville’s assessment reflects the frustrations of many, his call for change emphasizes the urgency for a recalibrated strategy at Old Trafford. With Fernandes standing out as a rare success, Manchester United must refocus on identifying impactful players to help the club return to its former glory.
Only time will reveal whether Manchester United can heed this call for change and set the stage for a revival of their illustrious history.