Our players aren't good enough. It's a top 6 squad. Not close to a title winning one. So why should we expect more? (basic workrate aside)
We know, and have known for years, that several of these players, who still start too frequently, are simply not good enough for us to aim higher than 4th-6th. This isnt personal or an attack on these players, but it shows that recruitment, recruitment, recruitment, is the only way we get out of this horrible decade.
McTominay, starting in a midfield is absolute madness, unless youre looking for a 8-17th finish. He's not good at any of the things a top clubs midfields are good at. Its beyond belief that this is the guy we're turning to tonight. Next to an 18 year old. Absolutely two brazilian internationals will run them ragged.
Martial. Just stop. I dont think even any of his biggest fans on here would expect anything at this stage, away at newcastle, other than an invisible showing. An injury prone, non prolific, physically weak striker.
Rashford. Probably the biggest problem this season. Who here wouldn't swap him for Antony Gordon. Last seasons showing was a curse, as for the best part of a decade he too has been an inconsistent, non prolific player who doesn't excel at anything really, other than pace.
AWB. A massively improved player and an excellent defender, but again, simply lacks what is needed and what you can see at top clubs all over europe when it comes to attacking, intelligence, passing range and basic technique.
You'll never have a full squad of world class players and plenty of players we have are good enough to be part of a squad. But garnacho isnt there yet. Hojlund isnt there yet. Varane and Casemiro are quite clearly past their best.
This is the bulk of the squad. Has the recruitment under ten hag been good enough? Time will tell. I think that Onana, Mount, Hojlund, yes even Antony can all be part of a top team. Hopefully mainoo and garnacho emerge and reach their potential. But replacing the core of this squad with simply better players is essential. Recent windows just havent done it well enough, pre ten hag windows have proven to be disastrous.
Look at newcastles recruitment. Joelinton, Guimaraes, Gordon, Isak, Trippier - all players they knew exactly what they wanted to do with. Ourselves and Chelsea are miles behind when it comes to spotting what we actually need.
Adding here to avoid a new thread, as im talking about player quality. A poll would be nice.
Who would win the league?- Guardiola with this United squad, or Ten hag with City's squad. I dont think it's even close to be honest. This squad is incapable of winning a league title in my opinion. Guardiola would maybe get more in some areas, but be real. Martial, McTominay, Rashford, Wan Bissaka, Dalot, and more, simply arent up to the level he'd need where pure ability, intelligence and talent is concerned.