MANCHESTER UNITED lost another big game away from home at the weekend and that means that there’s some real jeopardy to their pursuit of a top-four finish.
United’s 2-0 defeat at Newcastle was the latest in a catalogue of poor showings away from home against the Premier League’s “top” sides.
Why can’t Manchester United “do it” against the big teams? It’s simple, if the new additions are in poor form, injured, or suspended, then what’s left is the mismatch of talent from last season.
Erik ten Hag has done a good job, but he should be judged over three summer windows and not just the one.
The issues are obvious. Is David De Gea good enough with his feet or coming from his line? Probably not. At right back, United need a new addition that is a mix of Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Is Raphael Varane truly the “best” long-term partner for Lisandro Martinez?
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The Frenchman is exceptional on his day, but in a recent interview since retiring from international football he stated that the Premier League was incredibly demanding.
Has he really got two or three games a week in his legs?
In midfield, Scott McTominay still struggles in possession, while Fred, despite all his endeavour, isn’t comfortable when receiving the ball on the half-turn.
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Christian Eriksen, on his way back from injury, has been a breath of fresh air, but will be 32 next year, and will shortly require younger legs in and around him too.
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Then there’s the forward positions. Antony needs a full pre-season at the club before being critiqued fairly, while Jadon Sancho looks like he’s still struggling both wide and in the number 10 position.
Wout Weghorst has been brought in on loan for the unreliable Anthony Martial, but both shouldn’t be anywhere near the club next season.
So despite the spending, there’s still plenty of work to be done.
Owners to blame
United’s struggles are down to the Glazer family and years of mismanagement. It took two significant defeats at the beginning of this campaign for them to hold their hands up and admit that manager Ten Hag required further support in the transfer market.
The issue is that Manchester United’s “best” starting XI is capable of competing to a point – that being qualification for the Champions League (maybe), and possibly a cup (or two).
What United supporters crave is a consistent challenge for the Premier League title – something that is currently impossible and requires some clever moves in the transfer market, and further patience from supporters.
Will United qualify for the Champions League next season? It’s still in their hands and they have the insurance of being able to qualify for the tournament via the Europa League.
What we’ve seen in recent weeks is a reality check. United need to somehow drag themselves over the top four finishing line in May, and then move on to the next stage of Ten Hag’s rebuild.
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Hopefully, the owners, whoever that is at the time, will allow it.
Follow Tom on Twitter @MrTomMcDermott
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
