Agreed, United were arguably only 3-4 players away from being a top team from the point they were last season but the summer signings haven't improved things at all - Onana has been a flop overall so far and no better than De Gea (I think he can be better with time), Mount has barely played and been non-existent when he has played and Hojlund has been decent but raw (hasn't scored in the league in 8 games), Amrabat has been disappointing so far.
If for example Onana had hit the ground running without mistakes, they had signed Harry Kane (unlikely I know) and signed someone like Szoboszlai instead of Mount for the same price to add creativity and running to midfield, then the team would probably be in different shape.
Saw qite a few people saying this last summer, including Alan Shearer. Also that Ten Hag had improved so many players. Never agreed then and I dont now.
I always thoght thogh we did quite well last season, the football wasnt hgely better, it was the same side as before with a couple of quality additions in Martinez and Casemeiro and jst spells of good form from the likes of Fernandes and RAshford who both hadnt shown mch for ages.
Onana for me is an average keeper with great feet, he will never get anywhere near to prime DeGea or better, basically declinging DeGea with better feet.
But in the summer we needed a GK, an attacking RB option, two centre backs, a box to box midfielder, anotehr DM option, two strikers....cold still add a couple more to that.
And no surprise after or summer signings.....we still need similar as Varane, Casemeiro, Eriksen were always going to age.
Harsh to judge as we arent seeig or best eleven, but personally think people with the opinion with everyoe fit this side is only3 or so players from challenging for major trophies is naive