A behind-the-scenes staff member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer privately criticized the lack of depth in the Manchester United squad before the Red Devils pulled out of the Europa League.
The 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the semifinals allowed United to end the season without trophies for a third consecutive season.
United’s form transformed at the end of January after the arrival of Bruno Fernandes and the Reds lost only one game in all competitions before their Europa League campaign resumed, which secured third place in the Premier League.
However, Solskjaer leaned heavily on the same starting XI after a string of excellent results and the likes of Jesse Lingard, Daniel James and Odion Ighalo barely got a glimpse towards the end of the Premier League campaign.
After a short hiatus, United resumed their Europa League campaign, but they were not convincing in the 2-1 win against LASK and it took extra time and a penalty to beat Copenhagen in the next round.
Despite United’s poor performance against the Danes, Solskjaer didn’t make a substitute until the 90th minute when Juan Mata was introduced and the Times says an unnamed manager privately admitted the club doesn’t have enough firepower on the bench. to change the game.
It was claimed that the coach complained about the lack of options beyond the starting XI and that it was admitted that the club is relying on a top six.
This was proved against Sevilla just five days later when Solskjaer waited until the 87th minute to take on the likes of Mata, James and Ighalo.
It’s a problem United are trying to solve this summer with the addition of Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish goals, while a central defender is also seen as a priority.
However, United are struggling to agree on a commission for Sancho and personal conditions have also proved an obstacle.
As for Grealish, Aston Villa wants £ 75m while United are only willing to offer around £ 55m.
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