Danny Murphy says that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has problems with David De Gea, as well as the midfield at Old Trafford.
De Gea was at fault for Crystal Palace’s injury time winner on Saturday, as he somehow let Patrick Van Aanholt’s strike evade his grasp.
The Spaniard was out of sorts towards the end of last season, with uncertainty surrounding his future, but made assured performances in the opening two league games against Chelsea and Wolves.
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De Gea is still expected to commit his long-term future to United, but Murphy is concerned that his errors are becoming a real issue.
“The worrying thing for United, a couple of worrying things, De Gea again,” Murphy told talkSPORT as quoted by the Daily Star.
“He should have saved the winner, comfortably, another mistake. It’s happening too often.
“We know how good he can be but there’s something not right and that is a problem for United.”
De Gea is still a world-class keeper and we hope the mistake against Palace on Saturday was just a one off this season. It is odd, however, that he has still not put pen to paper on his new deal at the club.
Murphy, meanwhile also highlighted United’s flaws in midfield as another key weakness.
“And then of course in the middle of the park I’m still not sure that it’s the right balance,” he added.
“But that type, someone who can sit in there, Pogba likes to go forward and do his bit, someone who can sit in there.
“McTominay’s a good player but he’s not someone that can dictate tempo like Carrick did.
“They’ve never replaced him as far as I’m concerned.”
Fans knew going into the season that Solskjaer had been left desperate short in midfield. The club announced Ander Herrera’s exit in May, yet a replacement midfielder was still not signed in the summer window which remains baffling given the limited options at the Norwegian’s disposal.
Scott Mctominay had a good breakthrough season last time out, but should not have to be relied upon in central midfield.
Nemanja Matic’s form has been deteriorating and he has still not featured in the league for Solskjaer this season. The inconsistent Fred is also yet to feature and we wonder whether the 26-year-old is in the Norwegian’s plans at all this campaign.
United are heavily reliant on Paul Pogba to act as the anchor, as well as the creator in the midfield, so a lengthy injury for the Frenchman could prove fatal for the club’s Champions League qualification hopes.
The Reds should assess the market in January and see if a suitable midfielder is available to bring to Old Trafford.
