Manchester United officials have reportedly acknowledged several transfer mistakes this summer, privately admitting that Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans were a 'long way down the list' in their summer priorities. Senior figures have also indicated there is some regret over failing to recruit a left-back.
Worst league start in 40 years
United's draw with Tottenham over the weekend has left the club enduring their worst league start in 40 years, collecting just six points from their opening six fixtures. Questions are already mounting about United's squad, which has appeared lacking in confidence during the early stages of the campaign, after an encouraging finish to last season.
The club invested £155 million in the transfer market throughout the summer, bringing in Santos, Tielemans and Carlos Baleba as they reinforced their midfield. Yet this sum pales in comparison to the £225.2 million they spent a year earlier on strengthening their attacking options with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Regret over missed targets
There is a sense of regret, just weeks following the second stage of their reconstruction at Old Trafford, regarding the choices they made, according to The Sun. Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ederson were amongst United's favoured targets ahead of Santos and Tielemans.
Tielemans has started all eight United fixtures this campaign, while Santos, who arrived for £50 million, has only managed 16 minutes of action since starting in the opening day loss to Hull City. Reports suggest United particularly rue having to pull out of a deal for Ederson after complications emerged during the Atalanta star's medical.
Similarly, there is frustration that they failed to bolster the left-back position to offer enhanced cover for Luke Shaw, despite links to Newcastle defender Lewis Hall.
Redknapp criticises midfield
Following their loss to Spurs, Jamie Redknapp suggested Michael Carrick lacked the necessary squad quality to achieve success. He remained unimpressed by their display, directing particular criticism towards 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."
