Manchester United's senior figures have privately admitted to three transfer regrets from the summer window, according to reports. Club chiefs have conceded that Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans were far from top priorities in their plans, and there is disappointment that a new left-back was not secured.
Worst league start in four decades
United's stalemate with Tottenham has resulted in the club recording their worst league start in four decades, having managed only six points from their first six matches. Concerns are growing over the squad as they contend with Champions League football alongside domestic action.
The club spent £155 million in the summer transfer window, bringing in Santos, Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to bolster their midfield. This figure is significantly lower than the £225.2 million splurged a year earlier to strengthen the forward line with Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko.
Regret over midfield choices
Just weeks after the second stage of their overhaul at Old Trafford, there is a sense of regret over the choices made, according to The Sun. Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ederson were reportedly higher on United's wish list than Santos and Tielemans.
Tielemans has featured in all eight United fixtures this campaign, while Santos, brought in for £50 million, has managed just 16 minutes since his opening-day start in the Hull City defeat. United are said to be particularly disappointed that they were forced to pull out of the Ederson deal after complications arose during the Atalanta midfielder's medical.
Left-back cover frustration
There is also frustration that the club failed to bolster the left-back position to offer better cover for Luke Shaw, despite being linked with Newcastle's Lewis Hall.
Following the loss to Spurs, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp claimed Michael Carrick lacked the squad depth needed for success. He was unimpressed by their display, particularly slamming the midfield performance.
"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."
