5 major problems Manchester United need to address this summer
Despite the 2021-22 season approaching its business end, Manchester United find themselves at a crossroads at the moment. While the Red Devils are still alive in the Champions League and will continue to fight in the Premier League's brutal top-four race, planning for next season is already underway.
Considering the lofty expectations after the acquisition of world-class players at the start of the season, current campaign has been a let down. With yet another managerial appointment looming, Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them.
Man United football director John Murtough: "We are now conducting a thorough process for the appointment of a new permanent manager who will take charge this summer with the objective to get us back to challenging for those domestic and European titles."
Manchester United have a lot on their plate ahead of a vital summer
With the mid-season exit of former executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a lot has already changed at Old Trafford. Despite the appointment of John Murtough as the club's new football director, there is a sense that it is only the beginning as far as change is concerned.
There is no doubt that Manchester United's squad needs a revamp and many familiar faces are expected to walk out the door at the end of the season. On that note, here's a look at five major problems the Red Devils have to deal with come the end of the 2021-22 campaign:
#5 Appoint a new permanent manager
The most pressing issue at the club is the appointment of their next permanent manager. Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 after nearly 27 years at Old Trafford, United have employed four different coaches in full-time roles. None of them have lasted even three years.
Erik ten Hag is said to have his heart set on a move to #mufc at the end of the season #mulive [@SamiMokbel81_DM]
With Thomas Tuchel, Antonio Conte, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp all battling it out in the Premier League, there is enormous pressure on United to find the right man. Will it be Mauricio Pochettino or Erik ten Hag? Only time will tell, but more importantly, any new signings and exits will also have to wait until a new head coach is decided upon.
#4 Sort out the team's midfield woes
Most of the scrutiny in recent months has been on Manchester United's leaky defense and misfiring forwards. However, there is an argument to be made that the squad's real problem lies in midfield.
#mufc accept midfield is the 'biggest problem' in the squad ahead of the summer. United are also expected to be in for an attacking addition. A defensive signing is also under consideration. A back-up goalkeeper would be recruited if Henderson leaves #mulive [@samuelluckhurst]
Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Donny van de Beek, and Nemanja Matic all face uncertain futures at the club. It would not be a surprise to see them all depart Old Trafford come the end of the season.
The likes of Scott McTominay and Fred, despite their industry, cannot hold their own against the all-action midfield set-ups of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. There is also the long-standing lack of a defensive midfielder, and the consistent isolation of Bruno Fernandes.
If the club are to challenge for trophies next season, they will most likely require a completely new set of midfielders.