We can replace managers all we want, until we address the balance and ability in our squad we'll always be nearly men. We need a proper top left back, Shaw isn't making it here, let's stop dicking around with make shift midfielders and centrebacks there. I like Valencia, but he's on the bad side of 30 now, with dodgey knees and with the money we have - we can do much better. His best asset is his speed and just about most of the RB's at the top teams are faster than him. He's woeful at delivery and doesn't possess the ability to beat men with pace. That part of his game turned to shit in SAF's last season, it's been years, he's not improving on it now. It's why he always gets the ball and shimmies, passing it backwards, or outside foot passing it into the middle of the pitch rather than running down the line.
Get in another creative midfielder. When Pogba is out of the team and Fellaini is injured, all we have is Herrera and Matic. Both players who have extremely similar styles, which doesn't compliment one another. In fact, our shaky results at Liverpool and Huddersfield has been down to the midfield imo. At Liverpool we couldn't play as we were getting pressed in the middle of the pitch, being outnumbered 2v3 and not being able to get out, losing possession. That comes down to the fact that we don't have another ball carrying midfielder if Pogba is out. When you don't have a ball carrying midfielder, a big player to overcome to press (Fellaini) or a midfielder who's comfortable under pressure, you're always going to struggle against the press. As much as I like Herrera - he should be backup to Matic who does what he does, only much better.
We need a right sided player. Rashford isn't good there. He's been shite everytime he's played there for England. He doesn't have a very good left foot and he isn't a proper winger. Get in either a proper winger who can hug the touchline or get in a left footed player who's capable of cutting in from that side.
Lastly the 10 position. Either scrap it completely or get in a better player. Mata is slowly getting past it and Mkhi is far too wasteful for a team with our aspirations. They're both good players but neither are good enough to be first choice in a position that is one of the most important in an attack. If we are going to persist with a 10, break the bank for someone who will compliment Lukaku, who's capable to drop deep and influence play from midfield and create a third body in the midfield two and also someone who's able to make runs off Lukaku into the box, or sit behind him and play balls in. Someone like a Dybala, or a Griezmann. If we aren't going to go with a number 10 - bring in another midfielder to compliment the Pogba - Matic partnership. A DLP would be preferred, to compliment Pogba's attacking and Matic's defensive style.
We have a very good core of young, talented players. Although I don't think this squad is good enough to challenge for major honors and I said as much before the season started. We need to start moving on the old guard, players who are clearly past it and players who clearly aren't good enough. Stop putting so much faith in players who don't deserve it and be ruthless, improve where we need to improve. City didn't do too well last season, so they got rid of half their squad and paid over a 100m for Fullbacks alone. That's the kind of ruthlessness we need to show.
We get a few injuries to key players and we suddenly look a few levels below our previous level. That shouldn't be an issue at a club with our resources.
Also most importantly, either get in a feckin DOF or stop chopping and changing managers every two years. We need stability and balance, spending money on players for different styles with different attributes is never going to get a cohesion and understanding between players.
