Gary Neville picks Liverpool’s Gravenberch as United’s midfield target

Gary Neville identified Ryan Gravenberch as the Liverpool player he would take to strengthen Manchester United this summer, saying the Dutch midfielder fits the club’s needs. United spent around £200 million on Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo before the 2025/26 campaign, drawing attention to the attack while the midfield remained thin. Since Michael Carrick’s appointment, the midfield has been United’s obvious job to finish, and Neville made his choice clear. He noted, “There’s a few but it’s harder because Wirtz isn’t exactly jumping out at me, Isak isn’t jumping out at me, Ekitike yeah, Dominik Szoboszlai maybe… I’d go with Gravenberch.” He concluded, “I’d go with Gravenberch.” Midfield Priority Clear – United need control, physicality and composure, and Neville sees the Dutch midfielder as the closest fit. At his best, Gravenberch carries the ball well, covers ground and gives a side presence in central areas.

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Liverpool’s recent context adds intrigue: after winning the Premier League under Arne Slot in 2024/25, the club regressed badly in 2025/26 and Slot was sacked on 30 May 2026. Despite spending about £446 million on signings, several additions failed to deliver, yet Gravenberch remains a genuine asset. Neville was also clear that Liverpool’s forwards do not tempt him in the same way. He said, “The [Liverpool] forwards are good but I wouldn’t probably swap them over Mbeumo, Cunha, Bruno, Amad… I don’t think I’d be jumping at taking any of them.” Gravenberch is contracted at Anfield until 2032, so a transfer looks remote, and United stands aware of that reality.