Manchester United's performance in the 4-1 defeat against Como was described as 'a joke' by a supporter of 50 years, but the blame is placed firmly on the board, not manager Michael Carrick.
The fan, writing in an opinion piece, argues that the current squad is simply not good enough, with Bruno Fernandes being the only world-class player, and even he is struggling while being played out of position in a fragile team.
Carrick Starved of Funds
Carrick has been starved of funds to buy the top players his side desperately needs, with Elliot Anderson being cited as the main recent example. The article claims that to be among the footballing elite again, United should have 'busted the bank' to sign him, describing him as a 'midfield monster of the Roy Keane ilk'.
While the club did bring in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos, these new recruits have to bed into a team devoid of confidence and described as the worst example of passivity. The new arrivals are not blamed, as they are talented and could work well for United in the future, but every team needs a 'Rolls Royce performer' to drive things to another level.
Lack of a Clinical Striker
The attacking department is a major concern. Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and especially Bruno Fernandes are not centre forwards. Benjamin Sesko is the only recognised striker, and he is out injured with seemingly perpetually dodgy shins.
The article highlights that United often get into great attacking positions, but crosses are cleared too easily as there is no proper striker to finish them. There is no one to hold up the ball or battle with defenders, leaving only clever but small midfielders advancing without a killer goal instinct. The team does not have a problem creating chances, but they have a really bad problem with being clinical.
Joshua Zirkzee is not seen as the answer, though he has looked the best performer in recent games when coming on as a substitute. The piece recalls that United should have signed Harry Kane and notes that they haven't signed anyone really good to score goals since Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.
Players Must Take Responsibility
The midfield ran well against Leeds but had a 'real night off' in Como, with the hosts running them ragged. That was deemed totally unacceptable and is seen as entirely on the players. As Carrick said after the game in response to Bruno Fernandes's tactical dig, whatever plan you put in place, it won't work unless the players are prepared to run.
The fan described the Como match as one of the worst watches ever, citing fragility in defence, not enough running in midfield, and a complete lack of aggression and intensity. The players need to toughen up and give everything or 'get themselves to a lesser club'.
United face Bournemouth on Sunday, a team that has outplayed them at Old Trafford in recent encounters. The fan expects total effort as the minimum requirement and calls for an out-and-out striker, even from the youth team. The board is urged not to replace Carrick with yet another manager without tackling the real problem of getting top-class players. The article concludes by calling on the board to keep Carrick, get rid of some of the mediocrity in January, play Bruno Fernandes in his correct position, and bring in serious talent.
