Man Utd owners the Glazer’s decision on dealing with Greenwood and three other expensive flops
On Saturday, as Manchester United’s players limped up the Wembley steps to receive their FA Cup runner-up medals, the gloating supporters of their city rivals cruelly rubbed salt in their wounds.
The chants from a half-full sky blue stadium alerting them to the fact that they aren’t particularly good and they know it – or words to that effect – lacked class and overlooked United’s improvement under Erik ten Hag, highlighting that a substantial gap still needs to be closed to compete on the same level.
United did defeat City in the league at Old Trafford in January and made them suffer in the treble final at Wembley, but the overall comparison remains unfavorable.
Phase one of United’s reconstruction under the determined Dutchman has demonstrated the magnitude of phase two’s tasks.
“I have my ideas, and I’ve already told the club what we need to do, but I need to work with my staff and my players to improve next season,” said Ten Hag.
“We are moving in the right direction, but there are situations and issues in the game that we must improve upon if we want to take the next step and win trophies.”
The heap of debris that Ten Hag inherited now has a discernible structure, but United are still hampered in crucial areas.
David De Gea can still be an excellent shot-stopper, although he wasn’t for Ilkay Gundogan’s game-winning goal at Wembley, but with his cement feet, Manchester United will never be able to construct a coherent defense.
Up front, Marcus Rashford has scored 30 goals this season, while Bruno Fernandes has scored 14 goals.
United’s summer purchasing list before their preseason match against Lyon on July 19 at Murrayfield is a costly one.
There are potential solutions available, including Harry Kane, Declan Rice, and David Raya, but United will have to break the coffers to make them a reality, which makes their unclear takeover picture a potential disadvantage.
Investment is a factor in the equation. Success is not inexpensive. Since Sheikh Mansour’s acquisition of City in 2008, the club has spent a total of £1.26 billion.
United’s figure for the same period, despite criticism of the Glazers, is a hefty £1.1bn, but the key is spending wisely in addition to spending large.
United’s recruitment has not always been successful, to say nothing of hitting the mark.
This season, Jadon Sancho has not performed like a £73 million player. He surely did not on Saturday at Wembley.
Antony, who missed the cup final due to injury, has not lived up to his £85 million price tag since arriving from Ajax.
As for £80 million Harry Maguire, the fact that his manager does not trust him to start important games as club captain renders his future at Old Trafford untenable.
As a result of the decision regarding Mason Greenwood, the upcoming months will be crucial for United
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Man Utd owners the Glazer’s decision on dealing with Greenwood and three other expensive flops