Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer must prioritise defensive reinforcements in the summer.

The TV pundit says the team has been overperforming at the back in recent months despite the lack of quality in defensive positions, and he’s hoping that a commanding centre-back and fullback are signed at the end of the season:

“Defence is the main priority in terms of getting the centre-back pairings right because there have been so many changes. I think the defence is actually doing very well, it looks makeshift on paper but it outpunches its weight when you think about it.”

“Antonio Valencia and Ashley Young have been doing brilliantly well at right and left-back for a few years, Luke Shaw has started to perform really well in the last few months.”

“Victor Lindelof has had a good season, Chris Smalling’s doing well but in terms of that dominant presence, that is probably the key thing. A full-back and a centre-back in there, although there are other areas of the team.”

United’s defence has looked fragile, having conceded 40 goals in 30 league games so far this campaign. The Red Devils let in just 28 in the entirety of last season.

A number of centre-halves and full-backs have already been linked with moves to Old Trafford and Neville has backed the club’s board to give Solskjaer the transfer funds he needs following his permanent appointment.

The Norwegian’s first priority, though, will be to ensure that the club qualifies for the Champions League. United are currently two points behind Arsenal in fourth place heading into the last eight fixtures.