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No amount of effect or controversy over the VAR could mask Manchester United’s shortcomings after their toughest opening-day loss in 25 years.
United’s failures in the transfer market this summer were exposed in the most brutal way when Crystal Palace dismantled Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team and its title claims.
Executive Vice President Ed Woodward took the unusual step of writing on the game’s schedule to placate fans angered by United’s lack of activity in the transfer window.
It was a public relations exercise designed to quell a storm among United fans, who have seen rivals Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham overtake them in the market this summer.
But while Woodward tried to justify why United has only made a solo signing, citing financial uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic, this sad display underscored the need for key additions before the window closes in two weeks.
(Image: POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Woodward said United “must be responsible in the use of resources during this extraordinarily challenging time for everyone in football,” a fair point in the current economic climate.
But when all their rivals have spent a lot, United fans have a right to wonder why their club, the richest in the world, continues to drag its heels.
Since 2013, United has spent an average of £ 160 million on new players in the summers after missing the Champions League. In the summers after qualifying through the top four, it is cut in half.
This season £ 40m has been spent on Donny van de Beek, who came off the bench here to score, but this is a team that needs to strengthen at least three more positions.
(Image: POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
United have prioritized hiring a right-winger as their never-ending search for Jadon Sancho was stalled by his refusal to comply with Borussia Dortmund’s £ 108 million valuation.
But after this chaotic defensive display, a new center back and left back are more urgent, given the flagrant failures of Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw in their respective positions.
And it was ironic that, in their unsuccessful search for a right-hander, it was one of United’s former players at that position, Wilfried Zaha, who scored twice to condemn them to defeat.
Why Solskjaer started with Tim Fosu-Mensah and Dan James on the right, ruling out the latter for Mason Greenwood at halftime, only he knows, but he showed the team’s shortcomings.
How much does Manchester United need to spend to fill the gaps in their defense and on the wing? Give us your opinion here.
(Image: Getty Images)
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Even United players recognize the need for new faces if they are to stay in the increasingly competitive race for a top four spot, with Shaw breaking ranks to urge the club to spend.
“We have a very good group, but personally I think we need more players to strengthen the squad,” Shaw said.
“It can give us a boost. When you look around how other teams are strengthening their teams, we must also do it to keep up with each other. “
In addition to their failure with innings, United have also struggled with exits, unable to change players like Sergio Romero, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Chris Smalling and Jesse Lingard.
Handing out big contracts to players like Jones, Rojo and Smalling has meant that United hasn’t been able to get rid of them, and that buyout clubs can’t afford their exorbitant salaries, plus a fee.
It’s all a disaster for United, who had a chance to seize third place last season, but with just one game over, this already looks like another test campaign.
José Mourinho suffered a similar fate two years ago, having led United to second place, their best result since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement five years earlier.
Once again, however, Woodward and the Glazers cut back, with Fred, Diogo Dalot and Lee Grant representing a truly miserable summer on the market.
Following this wake-up call, United have fifteen days to make the necessary signings or risk this season following a familiar pattern of recrimination and confusion.
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