It proves that Ole was well and truly out of his depth. I’ve said all along that the squad Utd have is actually pretty good and definitely top 4 level, with a good manager. Casemiro was a great signing, precisely what Utd needed. Eriksen as well, smart business. I also like the looks of Antony, even though he drifts in and out of games he has that x factor.
Ronaldo is your biggest problem at the moment, I bet ETH can’t wait for January to ship him off. If you get rid of him and bring in someone like Nkunku, you’ll be a force.
The starting 11 is very good but the overall squad is still kinda dogshit. I mean whats their depth in midfield? ****ing McFred. VDB needs to get himself fit first. Centre back? Maguire and Lindelof who absolutely do not suit a Ten Hag system. Stick Maguire in Chelsea’s back 5 and he will thrive, I guarantee it, but in a Ten Hag high line high press system? He’s a handbrake. Up front? Ronaldo, then who? Martial? Injured all the time, Rashford? He’s not a 9, he’s a winger. Dalot has had to play almost every minute at right back because Wan Bissaka wont work in a Ten Hag team and there’s no one else apart from Williams who isnt good enough. Left back and wingers are the only spots that have actual depth.
Nkunku is already going to Chelsea. Im still spewing we didnt go for Scamacca, I wanted him all year and they didnt go for it. Cody Gapko has been linked with United should Ronnie move in January, although I dont really see him primarily as a 9, even though he’s played there a lot and done well, Ten Hag seems to think he can turn him into a regular 9, I’ll trust his judgement on that. I’d actually look at Patrick Schick, he has had an up and down season for Leverkusen but the quality is definitely there.
The squad definitely needs more work beyond another striker. They still need another right back, Dalot is one of if not the most improved player in the premier league, but he’s being overplayed. Ten Hag doesn’t want Wan Bissaka because of his limited attacking game, there are options out there who fit the brief, you’ve got guys like Lamptey, Vanderson, Juranovic, Aarons, Dumfries (probably the best of the lot, but looks unreachable), Montiel, Baku and Frimpong to name a few, if you want to look long term you could go even younger like Livramento. There are definitely options that could challenge Dalot’s spot in the team for sure.
They also need another pacey CB that suits Ten Hag’s style of play. Varane and Martinez are clear and away first choice. Lindelof and Maguire dont suit Ten Hag’s style of play, I’d be looking to move them on even though its going to be near impossible because of their stupid wages.
They might also need another 8 that can do Eriksen’s role in the middle of the park, it depends if VDB finally gets his **** together. If Donny cant do it then they have no one else who can properly do the role when Eriksen needs a rest. They’ve used Fred there with mixed results, Fred’s tenacious as **** and fantastic at leading a team press and putting pressure on the ball carrier further up the field, but he doesnt have the technical ability to control the middle of the park that Eriksen has.