Football News: Manchester United Requires Massive Investment

As the dust settles on another disappointing European journey the temptation is to point the finger at the usual suspects.

De Gea and Maguire no doubt set the tone but on a night where individual mistakes undoubtedly contributed to another sobering defeat this was yet another performance where the entire Manchester United team failed to function.

It's seems obvious to conclude that a team featuring De Gea, Maguire and AWB amongst others should not be trying to play out from the back especially in the cauldron atmosphere of the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, however this is how the manager demands the team play.

For years we yearned for a philosophy and a more adventurous and modern style of football. 6 years ago Jose lectured us about football heritage as we lost to Sevilla at Old Trafford in one of the dullest and most uninspiring Champions League defeats I can remember. 'Oleball' left us equally frustrated and bemoaning a lack of vision and style of play.

Whilst I sympathise with those critical of EtH tactics, I think it exposes the players rather than the manager.

De Gea, still an outstanding shot stopper, is not the type of goal keeper best suited to EtH demands. His lack of distribution exasperated without the reliable and calming presence of Martinez and Varane.

Similarly Maguire is completely unsuited to this type of football. Slow, immobile and ponderous in possession all his weaknesses are brutally exposed in a system that demands he play above his capabilities.

In midfield, Eriksen is an excellent footballer but away from home against decent opponents he simply doesn't have the engine, mobility or tenacity to influence the game.

EtH has played the entire campaign without a recognised CF and when the going gets tough, Martial always fails to deliver. Another innocuous injury will no doubt see him miss other important games.

As the post mortem continues and the performance is dissected, the truth is stark and obvious; if this team is to move forward under EtH, then he must be allowed to sell players that are simply not good enough or unsuitable to carry out his demands. It will no doubt hurt to take a financial hit on players like Maguire. It will be eye watering expensive to replace the likes of De Gea whilst still needing a CF and to strengthen in other areas but this is what's required.

The Club requires massive investment from the playing staff, to the Stadium, the training facilities and the infrastructure.

Only a change of ownership can deliver what the Club needs moving forward and if the Glazers somehow manage to cling onto power, then that's a future I don't want to even contemplate.

Written by DLIB April 23 2023 15:19:16