Utd must splash cash - Neville

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney reacts after his side concedes a goal. Credit: AFP    

Manchester United needs to spend big in the next two transfer windows to be able to compete for the Premier League title again, former player Phil Neville said.

"I know United have spent £150-million," Neville told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I think there's another two transfer windows of similar amounts of money needed - maybe £100-million - before they can even think about winning the title.

"There are still key positions in the team that need filling.

"I think the centre-back position is obviously the key area," Neville added. "Holding midfield or centre midfield needs addressing too."

Neville's comments follow Manchester United's 5-3 league defeat to Leicester City at the weekend. United had been 2-0 before Leicester took advantage of some poor defending and refereeing to win the game.

Neville, who was on the club's coaching staff last season, said that there was a reason why United spent £150-million on forwards Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao, midfielder Ander Herrera, defenders Luke Shaw, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind in the summer and not on replacing Rio Ferdinand or Nemanja Vidic.

"That squad needed quality, not just run-of-the-mill players, they needed world-class players, and there were no world-class centre-backs out there," Reuters quoted as saying.

"I think that's why in the next two transfer windows, United might still be looking for that world-class defender.

"I am certain Chris Smalling will come good and I have full faith in Phil Jones as well. They've bought a lot of foreign players, you don't get rid of your English spine."

Manchester United are currently 12th in the English Premier League, eight points behind leader Chelsea.