But the state of the midfield might be the most damaging to the side. Erik ten Hag transformed United's fortunes in his first season in charge and that progress was built on the solid foundation of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen. The two new arrivals finally brought the side a long-needed steel to the middle as well as genuinely good passing. Mason Mount was pursued over a desperately-needed striker and United caved in to pay above their limit in a £60m deal. Ten Hag had bemoaned the lack of balance in his midfield last week but in the new partnership, he was finally starting to get some.

Source: Express November 17, 2023 20:49 UTC