It’s clear Manchester United are short in midfield options going into the new season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were already weak in the centre of the park before it was announced in May that Ander Herrera would be leaving the club.
Fans are aware that the club is in transition and a proper rebuild of the squad was going to take more than one transfer window, given how far United have fallen behind their rivals.
There is reason to be optimistic ahead of this afternoon’s opener against Chelsea with a new-look defence including Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
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But it’s difficult to gloss over the fact no midfielder was signed and injuries in the area could leave Solskjaer desperately short in options.
One signing many fans couldn’t understand that the Reds didn’t complete was Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.
The Portuguese international scored 32 goals last season and could have been the creative spark United have been missing to break down defences.
Fernandes was heavy linked with a move to Old Trafford and was seemingly available this summer, yet no move materialised.
United legend Rio Ferdinand thinks the Reds should have made a move for the 24-year-old.
‘I was surprised he didn’t go into the midfielder area. I would have loved the idea of Bruno Fernandes. ‘He must be looking to rekindle Paul Pogba’s form. They need to have a performance against Chelsea that shows they are on the right track,” Ferdinand told BT Sport as quoted by the Metro.
For now, Solskjaer must work with what he has and a pairing of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay should still be able to compete with Chelsea’s midfield at Old Trafford this afternoon.
