Manchester United splashed the cash to back Ruben Amorim this summer but a former Red Devils star has been critical of the club’s approach to the transfer market over the past few months
Ruben Amorim
Man United have had a poor start to the season under Ruben Amorim
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Former Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves has slammed the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo - suggesting other positions needed sorting first. The Red Devils splashed the cash during the summer transfer window as they attempted to put a dire season behind them.
Brazilian forward Cunha was signed for £62.5million from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Mbeumo sealed a £71m move from Brentford. The former has yet to find the net, while Mbeumo has scored just once.
And former United star Hargreaves has claimed both players were not needed together and the club should have instead used those funds on signing an elite midfielder and a first-choice goalkeeper.
The Red Devils were linked to a host of high-profile midfielders including Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba. But they were unable to find an agreement for either and eventually did not add to their midfield ranks.
Speaking on The Breakdown, Hargreaves said: “Bruno is their best player by a country mile, then they go and sign two number 10s to play in his position, and he has to play as a defensive midfield player almost.
“I appreciate that you needed more goals. They (United) have thought that more goals will get us higher up the table than, say, a world-class goalkeeper.
“But actually, you have the best number 10 in the division, and you drop him (deeper) because you want someone to play through midfield because you have Cunha and Mbeumo.
“So why didn’t you just sign a central midfield player to play there and let Bruno do his thing with Cunha? Then a goalkeeper. It would have fixed a lot of issues.”
Owen Hargreaves
Owen Hargreaves has slammed Man United's summer business
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United did of course welcome a new goalkeeper to Old Trafford late in the window after sealing a £18m deal for Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens, while Andre Onana was allowed to join Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Lammens, 23, has so far made just one appearance for United but did manage to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win vs Sunderland at Old Trafford. The stopper will be aiming to continue that form this weekend as attention turns back to Premier League action.
Ruben Amorim's side take on fierce rivals Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon. Following that, they then take on Brighton at Old Trafford the following weekend.
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