Ruben Amorim widely publicised what a low opinion he has of this Manchester United side when he opined they were possibly the worst in the club's 147-year history. Amorim is echoing what those who turn up at Old Trafford every other week see. There is the risk of alienating the players he has inherited but maybe that is Amorim's intention.
This United squad is scorched earth, if the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules will allow it. The outgoings in the summer have to easily break double figures and the incomings have to stray close to that. United have sailed close to the wind with PSR and will have to be cannier than they have been in the past 16 years.
Fortunately, there are ideal fits who are out of contract this year or next, but significant investments may be required at both ends. A goalkeeper When Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar's United careers were winding down, United were not short of contenders to replace them. There was Van der Sar, Mark Bosnich or Richard Wright in 1999.
In 2011, it was David de Gea, Manuel Neuer or Maarten Stekelenburg. United do not have that luxury now if they seek another long-term custodian. Less than two years on from spending nearly £50million on Andre Onana, United have to replace a goalkeeper at the scene of innumerable crimes.
Onana was having a steady season until December but his United career has been littered with saveable goals, clangers and howlers. He is also no longer the ball-playing 'keeper he was.
