Gary Neville pinpoints 'massive worry' for Manchester United that could prompt transfer

Gary Neville spotted a "massive problem" for Manchester United during their snatch-and-grab victory vs Wolves which could force Erik ten Hag back into the transfer market.

A late winner from Raphael Varane settled the scores at Old Trafford on Monday night, but United were second-best for large parts in the Premier League curtain raiser. But the most concerning thing, according to Neville, was the lack of defensive work-rate from certain players in protecting Casemiro.

During his post-match analysis, Sky Sports pundit and former United defender Neville said: "Manchester United's midfield was non-existent. They were empty.

"The front three didn't work hard enough in a defensive sense, and that will be a massive worry for them. Wolves were much they better side, they were fantastic, they got everything except a goal or maybe even two."

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Neville, who made 602 appearances during his United career - winning 23 major honours - added: "United will feel very fortunate to come away with the three points and were outplayed and they definitely didn't deserve the win.

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"We spoke in pre-season about how [Mason] Mount and [Bruno] Fernandes were playing so high-up in those No.10 positions that Casemiro was being left all on his own. That can't be allowed to happen because no team can leave a defensive midfielder on their own.

"I think Ten Hag is going to be forced to bring somebody else in to play alongside Casemiro, someone that can hold the ball well. It [the Old Trafford pitch] might not be as big as some, but it's big