Manchester United is facing a whole host of problems, and it’s hard to know where to begin. Roy Keane summed it up perfectly when he said, ‘Where do you start and where do you end?’ Let’s dive into the issues plaguing the club.
Firstly, let’s talk about form. United has had a terrible start to the season, losing five out of their first ten league matches. This is their worst start since 1986/87, and it’s clear that the team is lacking confidence.
Another major concern is the lack of a recognizable style of play. When United attacks, it’s hard to pinpoint a specific strategy or approach. This inconsistency hampers their ability to build effective attacks.
Even their wins this season have been far from convincing. For example, they came from behind to beat Forest, who were down to ten men. The victory over Wolves was marred by a refereeing error, and they only narrowly defeated Sheffield United and Brentford. Their only convincing win so far was against Burnley.
Marcus Rashford’s form has also taken a nosedive. He has only scored one goal in thirteen club games this season, which is a worrying statistic.
One of the biggest issues is the lack of leadership within the squad. Bruno Fernandes has faced criticism for his captaincy, but there are no clear alternatives. United is in desperate need of strong leaders on the pitch.
The question of recruitment also arises. It seems that players are being bought without a clear plan or strategy. The midfield, for example, is overcrowded with attacking players but lacks defensive options. The club’s transfer policy needs to be reevaluated.
Furthermore, it’s unclear what United’s first-choice team is. The manager has made numerous substitutions at halftime, indicating a lack of stability and cohesion.
There are also concerns about the management behind the manager. Since the departure of David Gill as chief executive, there has been a power vacuum at Old Trafford. This lack of direction and stability is detrimental to the club.
Injuries have also played a significant role in United’s struggles this season. However, a strong squad should be able to cope with such setbacks.
Looking at their upcoming fixtures, it’s unlikely that things will improve anytime soon. They face tough matches against Newcastle, Chelsea, Bayern, and Liverpool in quick succession.
Rasmus Hojlund, although talented, is still inexperienced and should not be burdened with leading the line for such a prestigious club.
Physically, United is not as imposing as they used to be. This lack of physicality affects their ability to compete against stronger opponents.
United has been fortunate with cup draws in recent years, but their luck will eventually run out. Their reliance on home draws is not sustainable.
The goalkeeper position is also a cause for concern. While Andre Onana performed well against City, there are doubts about whether he is the right fit for United.
United’s style of play has been criticized for being too defensive and lacking creativity. They rely heavily on counter-attacks and long balls, which is not the approach of a top team.
Scoring goals has been a major problem for United. Despite playing against weaker teams, they have struggled to find the back of the net.
The selection of Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire over Raphael Varane against Erling Haaland raises questions about the club’s transfer decisions.
Jadon Sancho, a high-profile signing, has fallen out of favor and is likely to be sold in January.
The stadium itself is no longer considered state-of-the-art and has become a symbol of the club’s decline under the Glazers’ ownership.
Lastly, the ownership issue continues to plague the club. The uncertainty at the top is hindering any potential progress.
In conclusion, Manchester United is facing a multitude of problems, ranging from poor form and lack of leadership to questionable recruitment and ownership issues. It’s clear that significant changes need to be made for the club to regain its former glory.