Manchester United have shown some 'good signs' of progress under new manager Ruben Amorim, but the summer transfer window cannot come quickly enough to improve his squad.
That was the frank verdict of former Man City defender Micah Richards, who believes United are just lacking a bit of extra quality to compete with the top teams in the Premier League.
Amorim had overseen an unbeaten start to his United tenure after a 1-1 draw with Ipswich was backed up by a 3-2 win over Bodo/Glimt and a 4-0 thrashing of Everton.
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim must make one player immune from his Manchester United rotation policy
READ MORE: Ruben Amorim is already getting a reputation at Man United - his players need to get used to it
However, the 39-year-old had warned a 'storm was coming' as his players continue to get to grips with his 3-4-3 formation, and that storm presented itself in the form of Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners ran out 2-0 winners on Wednesday evening as goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba handed Amorim his first loss as United boss.
Before the game, the Portuguese made six changes to the team that beat the Toffees on Sunday and he has heavily rotated his side in every match so far.
As he continues to look for solutions and the players that best fit his formation and style of play, Richards feels they will lack the consistency to challenge the top teams in the league until he can strengthen the side in the summer transfer window.
"I think he is trying new things, new formulas, players in different positions," Richards said while working as a pundit on BBC's Match of the Day.
"Mazraoui has played in every position across the back. I saw good signs today, especially in the first half where they stopped Arsenal playing their game.
"But for 90 minutes they need a little bit more. They get to 60 minutes and run out of a little bit of energy. The summer [transfer window] can't come quick enough."