Gary Neville concedes Man City are favourites to sign Messi

Gary Neville would love to see disgruntled Barcelona star Lionel Messi at former club Manchester United but admitted that crosstown rivals Manchester City would be his most likely destination.

The former Red Devils captain, who played for the team from 1992 to 2011, was a special virtual guest at Astro's launch of the 2020/21 Premier League season on Thursday.

Ladies and gentlemen, Gary Neville’s in the house! Drop by Central Avenue in Sunway Pyramid to catch a glimpse of the former Man Utd captain! We’re celebrating the impending return of the Premier League ?#PremierLeague #StadiumAstro pic.twitter.com/35HXT2gjCN

— Stadium Astro (@stadiumastro) September 3, 2020

When quizzed by Astro Supersport hosts Adam Carruthers and Reem Shahwa about his ideal Manchester United signing, Neville picked the Argentine superstar, who recently declared his intention to leave Barca.

"United need a new centre forward. I would love Lionel Messi to come, but I think he is more likely to go to Manchester City," he said.

"[If he does come to the Premier League] it will be the biggest story in Premier League history, and I cannot overstate it.

"The idea of Messi being in Manchester will be huge for the country and the league.

"It will bring in the most media attention and scrutiny to the league. It will be simply fascinating as people will be interested to see how he will play in a different league and environment."

The former England international also identified other positions that required strengthening at Old Trafford.

"We have just got the centre midfield sorted [with the signing of Donny van de Beek from Ajax].

"We have been linked with Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund all summer, so it will be great if we can get him because a right winger is a position we're lacking in.

"I also think we need a new left-back. Luke Shaw has been injury-prone and I'm not sure if Brandon Williams is the best replacement for him.

"Another position we're struggling is at the centre-back to partner Harry Maguire. We have been linked with several defenders but there is nothing concrete so far," he added.