One of ten Hag's many issues was thinking he could build something with players who have consistently been a part of failures at United for a long time.
He got a bit of luck in terms of Pogba, Lingard and Mata already deciding their futures before he even got the job. They were on the way out the door by early 2022.
The players I'm referring to are Shaw, Lindelöf, Maguire, McTominay, Bruno Fernandes and, as much as I hate to say it, Rashford. He was willing to part ways with Maguire and McTominay this summer, but then ended up with a newfound respect for McTominay after he saved his bacon a few times.
Some of the fanbase love Shaw, Bruno and Rashford. Some even think they're world class. Each to their own. But they simply can't be relied upon to deliver consistent quality season after season. They might be better players ability wise than some of the other dross at the club. However, you are in trouble if these are your key players and senior figures. All they've know at United is losing. Shaw has been losing for 10 years. Rashford experienced some decent success during his first 18 months as a player (4 trophies). That was when he wasn't a key player or leader/senior player. Bruno Fernandes has been a part of some of the worst results in the club's history during what's approaching just 4 years at the club. They're all mentally weak when it comes down to it. Yet they're held on a pedestal by many within the club and us, the fans, who often get conned.
To make matters worse, most of ten Hag's signings are even worse than what was already at the club.
It's really a dire situation where you could sell/release 75% of the squad.
Ok here’s my take on Rashford, shaw and Bruno they are elite on their day but they all have glaring weaknesses, Bruno petulant and wastes possession far too much, Rashford has a serious mentality issue that if things are not perfect on and off the pitch he simply doesn’t fancy it and Luke Shaw is simply struggling with injuries and fitness as he’s never had the most athletic body for elite football having said that I would keep all three of them and explain the following for Man United to be successful we must have two players of similar ability for every position, not one vastly better than the other.
Therefore in the summer I’d go all out for the following players ;
Left Back - Theo Hernandez or Espinosa
Attacking Midfield - L Paqueta or M Gibbs white / paquetta can also play as the 8 so makes total sense.
Left wing - We have Garnaucho so no spend required
This will cost £120m
We already know we need to trim the wage bill so I expect either Varane or Casemiro to go probably Varane maybe this January for £15m followed by a shock transfer of L Martinez simply because I think he leaves after ETH gets sacked for £50m but maybe the season after.
Sancho, Martial, Greenwood all sold maybe £80m
Scott McTominay £30m, Antony £20m T Malacia £15m, Hannibal £20m, F Pellistri £15m Amrabat and Reguilon sent back. The club is looking to try and generate at least £150-160m of the £400m they will need to invest to have a squad fit for purpose and very little will happen this January.
There is no way Dybala Or T Muhler will be signed when both players are over 30. We might buy a CB if Varane goes and a loan CF you’ve never heard of!
This summer United will go big, Sir Jim’s ego demands it and we’ll appoint a new manager that can work with what’s left of existing squad.
If Dan Ashworth is recruited then Roberto De or G Potter will be appointed with a squad that might look like this.
GK - A Onana, A Bayinder, T Heaton
Defence - AWB, D Dalot, J Frimpong*, L Shaw, Espinosa*, H Maguire, J Evans, *J Tobido, L Martinez, V Lindelof
Midfield - Casemiro, K Mainoo, *F Diaz,
*K Thurham or A Onana, L Paquetta*, M Mount, Bruno
Attack - Raphina*, Amad, B Sesko*, R Hojlund, Rashford, Garnaucho, * M Leonardo
This is not my wish list not Football Manager just the sort of pragmatic signings Ashworth or Mitchell would make
Fabricio Diaz(20), Benjamin Sesco(22) and Marcos Leonardo(20) they would probably get all 3 for £80m add that to Raphina(30m), K Thurham(40m), L Paquetta(75m), Espinosa(45m), J Frimpong(40m), J C Todibo(45m)
Possible spend £350-360m and recoup £150-160m net spend of £200m with no one apart from Marcus, Casemiro and Bruno on really big wages. All three will be given a warning that should their performances not merit their salary they will also be sold the season after!
