Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has scrutinised the squad's potential and tactical issues following Michael Carrick's side's disappointing 0-2 defeat to Hull City in their Premier League opener. The pundit noted that despite the loss, the talent pool at United matches that of a top-four club, but highlighted the necessity of reinforcing the attack.
Hargreaves delved into the details of the team's attacking play and positional difficulties:
I think the depth of the squad is good. In my opinion, they certainly could use another striker, and that was clearly evident today. It was obvious that Sesko didn't start. Cunha played a bit deeper – he's more of a number ten rather than a pure forward, although he was quite effective drifting in from the left. However, with Baleba's arrival, this really is a strong squad. It's a top-four level squad.
The former England international also highlighted the contrast between playing in space and positional football:
Last season, they looked most explosive when counter-attacking – just think back to those early games for Carrick against Manchester City and Arsenal. Today, when they had to dominate the game with 70% possession, they barely created a threat on goal. I think the team will find it easier once there's more space operationally. There just wasn't any today, and credit to Hull for that. Carrick and his staff will have to go back to the drawing board and ask themselves: 'What can we do differently? Can we stretch the pitch more? Can we create more space for Bruno, who barely saw the ball today?' There is serious work to do on the training ground.
