Manchester United chiefs have privately held their hands up to a number of transfer regrets this summer, accepting that Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans were a 'long way down the list' of their summer ambitions. Senior figures have also suggested there is a degree of regret over not signing a left-back.
Worst league start in 40 years
United's draw with Tottenham has seen the club record their worst league start in 40 years, having picked up only six points from their opening six matches. Concerns have already emerged about a squad that has looked short on confidence in the opening weeks, following a strong end to last season.
The club spent £155 million in the transfer market over the summer, signing Santos, Tielemans and Carlos Baleba as they replenished their midfield. However, that figure falls short of the £225.2 million they splashed 12 months ago on restocking their forward options with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Preferred picks over Santos and Tielemans
There is a degree of remorse, just weeks on from the second phase of their rebuild at Old Trafford, over the decisions they made. Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ederson were among United's preferred picks over Santos and Tielemans.
Tielemans has started all eight United matches this season, but Santos, signed for £50 million, has only featured for 16 minutes since he started in the defeat to Hull City on the opening day. United are reported to be particularly regretful that they had to withdraw from signing Ederson after an issue cropped up during the Atalanta star's medical.
Left-back concerns and pundit criticism
Likewise, there is disappointment that they did not strengthen at left-back to provide greater backup for Luke Shaw, despite being linked to Newcastle star Lewis Hall.
Speaking following their defeat to Spurs, Jamie Redknapp suggested Michael Carrick did not have the quality in his squad to be successful. He was not impressed by their performance, particularly criticising the midfield.
"I do not see enough connections in that midfield and they look devoid of any confidence, ideas, or patterns of play, playing out the back and Tottenham were just much better than them in every department, but that is just a theme this season," Redknapp said.
"Their energy levels are not good enough and they look loose going forward, there was no real structure. The squad is not good or strong enough and Michael [Carrick] needs help in that respect."
"In terms of how they played today, they have an issue with Tielemans and Mainoo in midfield," he added. "I do not see enough energy in there. Baleba will add a lot and will give them a tremendous amount of energy."
