Manchester United Squad Assessment

This has been by far the worst season in the recent history of Manchester United, which, by the standards set over the last ten years, is a damning statement. To finish 16th or 17th in the league can, for a club of United's size, never be predicted, but the catastrophe of this season is made all the more shocking by the relative optimism fans had at the start of the season. Of course, nobody expected to challenge for the league, but a top four challenge was considered a viable aim.

Victory in Wednesday night's Europa League final against Spurs will provide much relief for fans. Indeed, as well as attaining a spot in next year's Champions League, victory will provide United with a third trophy in as many seasons, something that any club should be satisfied with.

But will triumph in the Europa League simply paper over the cracks, and provide further false hope for fans desperate for their team to once more challenge for the top honours? Or conversely, would defeat be a blessing in disguise, one that allows the club to focus on just the one game a week next season. If we consider that the state of the club off the pitch, as well as on it, you could argue that a reset would be a good thing. A campaign consisting of the one game a week will allow the club to get some stability in terms of squad structure, and allow the time needed for Amorim to introduce the style and culture he seeks to instil.

When taking a sober look at United's squad, there are only two or three areas that need addressing. And as bad as the team has been this season, injuries have had a decimating effect. Furthermore, if we look at the Premier League as a whole, we are currently entering an era where anyone can beat anyone on the day. The league is, now that Manchester City have reached the end of what has been a truly legendary era, potentially as open as it has been for decades. The breakthrough of Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest as challengers for the Champions League places attests to this, let alone the progress made by Bournemouth, Brighton, Fulham, Brentford, and FA Cup winners Crystal Palace.

Let's have a look, then, at the current United squad, and assess the potential held within.

Goalkeeper options:

Onana, Bayinder, Heaton

This is the primary concern, made all the more concerning by the fact that there is no noise coming out of the club or in the media of any changes being made here. Whether Onana has been suffering from an acute crisis in confidence or not, can United really rely on him going forward? It is a shame for a keeper who gave fans some excitement when he signed. And it is a strange, unexpected story, considering his status at Inter Milan.

Bayinder, to be fair, has not had much chance. Yet when he has been brought in, he too has also demonstrated inconsistency. Yet in his defence, he hasn't had any run of games in which to get into the rhythm of things. As for Heaton, he has possibly the world's easiest job as emergency back-up.

If we were looking at this squad on the PS, I'd get rid of all three. Sticking to reality, though, taking out Onana for new keeper will be a good move. Considering that a buyer will be hard to find, and that no names have been touted in gossip columns, the likelihood is that these keepers will remain in place.

Defender options:

De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro, Heaven, Martinez, Lindelof, Shaw, Fredricson, Mazraoui, Evans.

Defence has been the most frustrating area of the pitch, with recurrent injuries to Martinez, De Ligt, Yoro and Heaven, as well as long-term absentees Lindelof, Shaw, and Evans. Martinez, in particular, is a concern. After such an impressive first season, Martinez's form has been inconsistent when he has had a run in the team. But he is one player who could make that left-side of Amorim's back three his own.

Yoro and Heaven are crucial to the future of this area, with both impressing. Again, the concern is around injuries. But the talent is clear to see, and these two will hopefully be part of the squad for years to come. Fredricson, too, looks a promising player, which bodes well for a future club setup that will be a continuation the club's belief in young, academy players.

De Ligt is another player I like, and with Maguire having a resurgence in form, added to Mazraoui and Shaw's versatility allowing them to fill in on the right and left-side of the back three, the options, on paper at least, are good.

This leaves Lindelof and Evans, both of whom should be moved on. Of course, with Evans age is a factor, and depends on what his ambitions are going forward. But Lindelof could be sold for a fee, albeit a minor one.

In terms of bringing in new players in this area, it entirely depends on the players keeping clear of injuries, something which can never be guaranteed with any player. Again, on paper, the options are good. Though another factor lies in the wing-backs, and Amorim's plans for Mazraoui and Shaw. But if you are wanting two players for each position, the centre-back areas currently, including Fredricson, are covered. If one was to be brought in, Fredricson could be allowed to leave on loan. But considering more pressing issues in other areas, Amorim may feel comfortable working with what he has in this area.

Wing-Back options:

Dalot, Mazraoui, Shaw, Dorgu, Amass, Diallo.

This position also appears, on paper, fully covered. Though Dorgu has divided opinion so far, being a recent addition, and new to the league, it is likely that he will be given the LWB position next season. With Amass and Shaw also available on that side, the issue will be in the RWB spot. Though Diallo has performed well here, the preference will be for him to play primarily in the right forward position. Yet it is an interesting option for Amorim to have.

Of course, the obvious one is Dalot, who is tailor made for the position. Yet he is another player who divides opinion. But just as with the CB's, the amount of options in this position may see Amorim content with what he has.

Midfielder options:

Ugarte, Casemiro, Mainoo, Collyer, Fernandes, Eriksen, Mount, Gore

This is the most uncertain area of United's squad, something which has been a recurrent theme since Sir Alex Ferguson left. It is likely that Eriksen will be allowed to leave, and there is uncertainty on the plans for Dan Gore, Collyer, in the performances given before injury, has shown a lot of promise, and is deserving of a place in the squad at least, even if just as back-up for Ugarte. Of course, there is Casemiro as well, who may feel he has another year left in him.

The main issue is in the number 8 position. Ideally, for me personally, Mainoo would make the position his own. I'm a huge fan of Mainoo, and hope to see him thrive at United. But even rotation between him and Fernandes could work, as Bruno has been superb when playing in that deeper role.

Ultimately, Amorim is the only one who knows what is best for his system in this area. In interviews he has bemoaned a lack of physicality, which indicates he wants a more athletic, and powerful addition to this position. And though Mount is another option, this is not his best role, being more suited to one of the number 10 positions.

Forward options:

Hojlund, Zirkzee, Diallo, Fernandes, Mount, Garnacho, Chido Obi, Eriksen, Mainoo, Rashford, Antony, Sancho

This is United's major concern, along with the Goalkeeper issue. Yet it is here that we should expect additions. Signing Cunha, if they can, will be a good move in this area, but still, an out and out striker is needed.

When we look at the players identified, there does appear to be a lack of balance, even if we discard Rashford, Antony, and Sancho, who will all be, most likely, sold. But it is the overload of number 10's that provides an issue, with Fernandes, Mount, Zirkzee, Diallo, and Garnacho, all vying for a place here. Even Mainoo has been utilised in this position to good effect.

Again, it depends on Amorim, but I wouldn't be too shocked if Garnacho is allowed to leave. Being one player who has struggled in this area, and being certain to bring in a high fee, this would make a lot of sense. This could allow United to bring in the striker they so desperately need. With Hojlund still struggling, two seasons in, it is hard to imagine Amorim not acting here. Chido Obi, for all his potential, doesn't seem quite ready yet, so Hojlund could remain as a squad option.

Ideal line-up:

Onana

Yoro, De Ligt, Martinez

Dalot, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dorgu

Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho

Zirkzee

Squad Players:

Bayinder

Heaven, Maguire, Fredricson, Mazraoui, Shaw, Amass

Casemiro, Collyer, Gore, plus one.

Mount, Hojlund, plus two.

To sell:

All loan players, Eriksen, Lindelof, Garnacho

To buy:

GK, CM (number 8), 2 FWD's (9 and 10)

Verdict

Without the forward additions that are so glaringly needed, it is hard to see United breaking back into contention for Champions League places next season. Even with the additions, the potential hinges entirely on fitness and injuries. There is no doubt that Amorim's main challenge lies on the training ground, and in moulding his squad into a style of football he envisions. In this regard, it is clear that United's route back to the forefront of the English football will be a long one, and that Amorim, if he is to be given a proper chance, will need 3 - 4 years at least.

Basically, United are in Arsenal territory of a few years back. Just as Arsenal stuck with Arteta, United must stick with Amorim. Aside from his qualities as a coach, he is young and has a clear vision in his mind, and a philosophy of football he believes in devoutly. This vision can not be realised overnight. Not with a squad as unbalanced as United's. If we are to be realistic, simply finishing in the top six will be a great improvement next season.

Hope lies solely in the openness of the league. As Nottingham Forest have proved, great leaps in league form can be achieved by any team when the conditions are right. Those conditions include squad balance, a clear style of play, and a fixture load that meets the demands of that particular squad of players. Of course, United's problems lie much deeper than with the players themselves. But the chaos off the pitch is another matter entirely.