The problem I see with our summer transfer-wise so far, is that we mostly strengthened in positions that we already had depth in and not in positions where we are light. And you might argue that we have improved the quality in those positions, which might prove right (or not) depending on how the new signings perform, but we certainly now have the problem of an overburdened squad particularly at the back.
We have 3 left backs:
- Shaw
- Malacia
- Telles
We have 3 right backs:
- Dalot
- AWB
- B.Williams
We have 7 centre backs:
- Varane
- Maguire
- Martinez
- Bailly
- Lindelof
- Tuanzebe
- Jones
We really need to sell 3-4 players from those positions. To make space in the squad and the wage bill for other players.
Meanwhile we are, both compared to last season and objectively speaking, light in central midfield. We lost 2 MFs in Matic and Pogba and brought in only 1 in Eriksen (presumably as a Pogba replacement). We could be looking at McFred starting most of our games next season again. Even moreso than last year in fact.
And things get even worse up-front. Okay, the loses of Mata and Lingard are inconsequential since they barely played and we have decent cover for the AMC position. But we lost Cavani and Greenwood who haven’t been replaced. We are putting all our hopes up-front on a 38yo, want-away Ronaldo and Martial who returns from loan after 2 atrocious seasons. Our depth on the wings is also extremely poor. On the wings, behind Sancho and Rashford, there is only Elanga. After that it’s the kids, like Pellistri/Amad.
In my humble opinion, if the team is truly aiming for top 4 it needs another good winger and a starting DM. And if Ronaldo leaves, another CF. Not getting players in these positions might mean we’re blooding some young players (Gartner, Pellistri, Iqbal, Amad) instead. But then it’s inevitable that the team will be inconsistent as a result and achieving top 4 would be more of a hope than an expectation or requirement.