Manchester United have only three players they can realistically build the club around for the next decade, according to analysis following the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth. Shea Lacey, Kobbie Mainoo and Carlos Baleba are the only squad members identified as solid future investments.
Fan frustration after Bournemouth defeat
Michael Carrick is on the brink of leaving Manchester United, and fans have made their feelings clear about the squad. After the 3-0 loss at Old Trafford, Carrick's name was sung by the Stretford End as he left the pitch. Once he was out of sight, remaining supporters directed their anger at the players as they headed down the tunnel.
The performance saw a side that refused to do the basics. Another opponent might have allowed United to scrape an unconvincing point, but Bournemouth capitalised expertly on United's failings.
Bright spots in a struggling squad
Shea Lacey was one of the few players greeted with cheers when he came on against Bournemouth. His introduction brought urgency to United's attack, and he produced arguably the only dangerous cross of the game during his brief cameo. The young forward looks ready to play regularly for the first team.
Kobbie Mainoo remains an important player, though he has been missing since the defeat to Atletico Madrid. He has arguably been United's best midfielder this season, serving as the engine room in the centre. Without him, no one else can perform his duties.
Carlos Baleba, who made his debut for the club only a couple of weeks ago, has shown promising signs as a potential Casemiro replacement. Initial signs have been positive, and more games alongside Mainoo could be promising for the Reds.
Too few foundations for the future
The problem is that those three are the only players United can look to for the next decade. Too many squad members are entering the latter stages of their careers, such as Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw, or are simply not good enough.
Young players like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro have time to reach their potential, but a lack of investment in defence has forced them into the spotlight early. Up front, Benjamin Sesko and Bryan Mbeumo have been consistent, though Sesko is out indefinitely with a shin injury and Mbeumo is being forced to cover up front.
Senne Lammens has been an upgrade on Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir, but he has not been as good as his debut campaign this season, so the jury remains out on him. Realistically, Lacey, Mainoo and Baleba are the only players United can point to as solid investments for the future. That is clearly not enough, and the blame sits with successive owners rather than Carrick.
