Manchester United’s lack of depth could cost them this season, three years after Gary Neville encouraged the Glazers to add more “great” players to the squad.
Many United fans are concerned about the club’s sheer size, despite spending over £150 million on seven new players. Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund, and Andre Onana joined from Chelsea, Atalanta, and Ajax, respectively, while Sofyan Amrabat, Sergio Reguilon, Altay Bayindir, and Jonny Evans signed on Deadline Day.
However, United’s squad appears to be thinner than previous season, with numerous players leaving, including Anthony Elanga, Fred, and David de Gea. Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer, who arrived on loan in January, have since returned to Burnley and Bayern Munich, respectively.
Injuries to Mount, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Amad and Tyrell Malacia did not assist Ten Hag’s cause, and he was forced to employ Dan Gore and Hannibal Mejbri as substitutes in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal. In reality, four of the nine players on the bench had never featured in a senior match before Sunday’s game, and only Evans and Harry Maguire had played more than 100 games for the club.
Similarly, Neville raised similar concerns at United three years ago. He agreed that the Red Devils need two or three “great” players in every position, which Ten Hag currently lacks.
“I don’t think this Manchester United team at the moment can challenge for the title next season,” Neville remarked on Sky Sports in July 2020. “It requires more additions, and more of the right kinds of additions.”
“To be fair to Ole [Gunnar Solskjaer], I believe the players he has brought in have significantly improved his team in the time he has been at the club.” I believe he needs at least three or four more of those before he can even consider moving up to third or second place.
