For me, the biggest problem is the wage structure and has been for a long time. We started out so well under Ole, the recruitment was focused on players who had something to prove, and they came in on healthy but reasonable wages. Say what you like about the quality of Dan James, AWB, Fernandes and Maguire but we came 3rd and then 2nd, and we didn't have this nonsense, with leaks and 'split dressing rooms'.
We seem to have lost our way again at the start of the season. Three players bought in and one renewed for a total weekly combined salary of around £1.4m. It's ridiculous. What message does it send to the lads who have worked hard to earn those league positions, who have been loyal to the club? What must, Greenwood, for example, think, seeing Sancho come in on £350K? What must Maguire, the club captain, think when a player turns up on £500K per week?
What people are quick to forget is that footballers are human, and have human wants, needs, desires and emotions. It's just a fact that if you have given 5/6 years service at your workplace, and some 21 year old kid comes in earning 4/5x weekly what you earn, you are going to be REALLY pissed off. It's not just about the money, it's about respect and having to earn it.
No player should EVER come into the club on a higher salary than the captain. No player should EVER come into the club in the top salary bracket. If a player won't sign because we won't instantly put them in that bracket, then great, it's a brilliant test of their real motivations.
Personally, I would give every player on a salary north of £200K the option - instantly sign a new deal on the same salary as Maguire (as club captain) or piss off - I guarantee no other club would pay them the money.