It is safe to say that Manchester United have strengthened their attack as well as their defence in this transfer window. The addition of Cristiano Ronaldo could possibly see the club make their first real title challenge since Sir Alex Ferguson retired back in 2013.
On the other hand, the signing of Raphael Varane has added defensive stability. The Red Devils’ backline has been viewed as a weakness for a while but now, it could actually be one of their biggest strengths.
Jadon Sancho is believed to be an absolute superstar in the making as well. Thus, it is clear that the squad has been bolstered over the summer. But it is the middle of the park that could be a worry for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side over the course of the 2021/22 campaign.
The club were expected to sign a central midfielder in this summer transfer window but did not end up doing so. And at the moment, it does look like Nemanja Matic is the most natural defensive midfielder at Old Trafford.
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Manchester United still have one major worry in Premier League title chase
Manchester United indeed look incredibly strong on both ends of the pitch. Their forward line might very well be the best in the Premier League, on paper at least. World-class players like Ronaldo, Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes linking up with rising stars like Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial and Sancho could mean that they have the perfect combination of youth and experience.
While in defence, they have options like Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Diogo Dalot and Alex Telles. That looks incredibly strong on paper as well.
In the middle of the park though is where they do not look as strong or well-rounded. If Solskjaer tries to play the 4-3-3 system over the 4-2-3-1 this season then he will need a number 10 or an attacking midfielder, a number 8 or a box-to-box midfielder and a number 6 or a defensive midfielder.
While the club have decent options for the number 10 and number 8 roles, it is defensive midfield where they appear to be light at the moment with Matic looking like the most natural fit in that position and very little backup behind him.
It will be very interesting to see how Solskjaer manages this squad because if they are to win silverware this season, that might be the most important part.