Midfield General is just what Man Utd need – but they can’t stop there

As Manchester United close in on the signing of Benjamin Sesko, there are already rumours of a new target – and they can’t stop at Carlos Baleba.

It comes as something of a surprise that United are continuing to act in the market effectively before the season has started. Usually, those in charge drag their heels and set their manager up for failure, only to start the miserable process all over again every couple of years.

However this time – for all the other faults there are at the club – it appears that the club have markedly improved their efforts. They weren’t all there in time for pre-season, or even all in time for the pre-season tour, but it seems the club have managed to get an entirely new frontline for the campaign ahead.

Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo should all be aiming for at least 20 goals next season, but much of that depends not just on themselves, but on the players operating behind them. So far, nothing has changed from last season.

Who can play in Amorim’s system?

It’s fair to say that Bruno Fernandes can cope with the demands of the stage and of Ruben Amorim. Kobbie Mainoo has the potential to get there, even if he is linked with a money-raising move away given his homegrown status. Beyond that, the options are underwhelming.

Casemiro is no longer the force he once was despite his best efforts, while it appears almost certain that Manuel Ugarte can’t meet the required standards. Mason Mount has been indifferent or injured, and Christian Eriksen was far too slow to cope, and was let go this summer.

The midfield has to be improved, and there are no players who can be adapted. Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho are all too slight, and all are expected to leave. With no pace and no steel, United are as vulnerable as they were last season.

Man Utd must replace Andre Onana

It’s not just in front of defence that is the problem, but also behind it. Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana don’t have the confidence of the manager, and if the club can raise money, they are desperate for a new keeper.

A merely competent stopper is all that is needed to help psychologically repair the damage done by the last two seasons of calamity. While the pressure that the United team puts on their goalkeeper has exacerbated the mental strain for Onana, what has been worse is his inability to catch the ball and to kick it to a team-mate.

These are not unusual requirements of a goalkeeper –  they are prerequisites for a barely functioning first team.

At least United finally appear aware of where things have gone wrong, but the pace at which they are unpicking the knots they themselves tied is far too slow. The start of the season is fast approaching, and we may start to feel the desperation of the Old Trafford hierarchy if they are ripped apart by Arsenal, who acted far more decisively this summer, from a far stronger position.