We can all be honest with ourselves, right now United are one of the laughing stocks of the league. When Ten Hag joined and started spending money, most people expected United to push the top four or even push for the title and this hasn't come to fruition, whether you blame the Glazers, the manager or the players, the bottom line is, United are not good enough anymore.
Let's look at a hypothetical, this season ends and Jim Ratcliffe decides to give Ten Hag till January to sign players, get United playing some good football and see if it's worth it. If he fails, he's gone, if he succeeds he can stay. What signings would work and what would he get United playing?
Striker Depth
When looking at United’s issues, goal scoring is one of the priorities and has to be the first thing Ten Hag looks at. Hojlund is good but he is not good enough to lead the line for a club of United’s stature, yet. The main question here is the type of striker you get. The links are suggesting that Gyokeres is the main choice for United and similar leaks have pointed out that SeSko could be the signing from RB Leipzig. What needs to be realised here is that United just bought a £72 Million striker, how much of his girth will be stunted if another young player comes in and performs better? If we look at Man City and their striking options, they have Haaland and Alvarez, both strikers but Julian Alvarez can fill in, at midfield, or on the wings. This is the type of player United need. A player who can cover any attacking position but can play striker when Hojlund needs a rest or isn't performing. A Lot of money was spent on him so you can't ignore him and spend £100 million on a striker like Sesko.
Centre Back Issues
Okay, here we have the main issue for United. Defensively this season United have been comical, it's like kids have been trying to defend the goal and this is the issue that needs fixing, anytime United play the football odds for shots on target for the opposing team are always hilariously low and Onana needs help. Varane is confirmed to leave at the end of the season, Martinez is filled with injury issues, Maguire isn't favoured by Ten Hag and Johnny Evans is too old to be playing consistently.
United could be in need of at least 2 centre backs and strong links are pointing to Tosin Adarabioyo being the first choice. The Man City academy graduate has been at Fulham for a number of years and has been a really strong option for them, with strong tackling, great passing and a massive stature, he feels like a great choice for United's struggle.
The other option is Jarrad Branthwaite, with his consistent starts being a key reason as to why Everton has performed at a good level this season despite getting points deductions. With the overall impact he has had on Everton plus his passing and tackling ability being so good at a young age, he is probably the best option for United as he fits a good play style that United will want to play and he is young. Plus, he is English so will fit the league requirements which is a big help.
Who Needs To Go
I could just sit here and say the whole squad needs to go but I will be fair. Going position by position, a select few players absolutely need to leave when the season ends. I think Sancho, Casemiro and Antony are the best options here. I don't like to pile on but over the last few months Casemiro has been abysmal and since he has filled in at centre half he’s been embarrassingly bad, with the game against Arsenal and his positioning for the goal showing how much he doesn't care and isn't fit enough for this.
If Sancho finishes his loan strongly and Antony at least tries to look competent, we could get decent money for both and this money could be used on replacements and bolstering the squad in more positions that need it. |
