Marco Silva seeks the first win of the Premier League schedule with the visit of Man United. But the Red Devils have decisively outdone them in a window where the "club cannot be pleased at all."
‘Not enough cover’
Silva has a settled system after four years at Craven Cottage. However, he had to adapt his plans at left back, losing Ryan Sessegnon to a knock after postseason knee surgery for Antonee Robinson.
“Different situations – Robinson is coming back from a surgery, he's training with the team but you have to take a decision. Sessegnon felt something the last friendly game against Eintracht Frankfurt. We did not want to take a risk last week, let's see how he is in the last session before the game.”
The manager made clear that he is prioritising the long-term health of both options in the position.
“We have to take a decision related to both players. They are very important for us, but the same time, we don't want to have any risk to lose them for longer.”
He could call on the services of Calvin Bassey, who deputised well as a left back against Brighton.
“If not, Calvin did so, so, so well, a great, great performance at left-back, and I think we are more than covered in that position, because even Jorge Cuenca can play there. Of course, they are both different, if you have Robinson or Sessegnon, then you have a more offensive dynamic and mobility.”
However, the overall work in the window has been disappointing. The Cottagers earned 54 points in the league for the first time last term, but only Benjamin Lecomte has entered the camp this summer.
"We had a plan, and the plan did not go through. We as a club cannot be pleased at all. The Premier League demands much more from you."
The state of the squad is a worry with AFCON on the horizon. Joshua King can cover centrally, but Alex Iwobi will be a big miss as one of three wingers with Harry Wilson and Adama Traore.
“Of course not enough cover. We have three wingers, one is going to be out for seven to eight games. It is an example of how short we are in certain numbers. Many things in terms of numbers are short.”
Rodrigo Muniz netted the equaliser at the death against the Seagulls and earned praise from the Portuguese for his commitment to the club. If Silva has his way, the striker should stay on the side.
"He is under contract with us. I am very pleased with real interest from others in Rodrigo. It is a good sign, and we cannot be scared. After this, it is up to us to be resilient and to resist and be strong and sometimes to say no and other times to negotiate. From me, it is clear I don't want to lose Rodrigo.”
Their guests have been far from passive in the window. The Red Devils suffered the embarrassment of finishing 15th last term with the fifth lowest goal tally in the top tier, desperate to avoid a repeat.
The squad should still benefit from a midfielder if they get one, but Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha stood out against Arsenal in a 1-0 loss, bringing speed, quality, and goals to their attack. On top of that, Benjamin Sesko made his debut, having arrived from RB Leipzig for £66 million.
"We are playing against a great side. I know last season is not the way they wanted. This season, they have spent heavily in the transfer market and signed a striker that all in the market were looking for in Europe. For us, it is a very important and it is going to be a demanding Premier League game."