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After Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement from management in 2013, very few Manchester United fans would have predicted that the club would fail to win a trophy in the following 13 years.
However, that’s the situation the Red Devils find themselves in this campaign, and Michael Carrick looks as though he will be unable to end such a wait this campaign.
The hierarchy have spent a pretty penny in trying to end the unthinkable title drought, but no matter the money spent, the club have failed to deliver the goods on the pitch.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick arrives at the stadium ahead of the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick arrives at the stadium ahead of the match
This summer alone, over £150m was spent on new additions to help push the club in the right direction, but the big spending has seemingly pushed the side backwards rather than forwards.
Why Baleba has been a failure for Man Utd
After a year-long pursuit to secure his signature, United managed to secure a deal worth around £70m for the services of midfielder Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Cameroonian was the third and final addition made to bolster the club’s midfield department, with real hope that the 22-year-old could be a long-term asset in such an area.
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However, two months into his time at Old Trafford, it’s safe to say he’s struggled to deliver and been unable to turn around the recent slump in the Premier League.
His stats from the current campaign showcase his struggles at both ends of the pitch - highlighting why the club made a huge mistake in spending so heavily to secure his signature.
Baleba has struggled to impress with the ball at his feet, as seen by his tally of being dispossessed 1.6 times per 90 to date - a figure higher than 85% of midfielders in England’s top-flight this term.
Without the ball, he’s been just as ineffective, as he’s subsequently committed 1.9 fouls per 90 - also ranking him above 80% of other players in his position across Europe.
The Cameroonian’s 43% ground duel success rate further demonstrates his struggles, with the midfielder evidently a player who has struggled with the expectations placed on his shoulders.
How Man United sold a mega Baleba upgrade for just £9m
INEOS’ transfer dealings have constantly been called into question over recent times, and understandably so given the money spent and the lovely finishes achieved in the Premier League.
Since their investment in February 2024, they have spent over £580m in the transfer market, but the vast majority of their funds have been wasted on players like Baleba.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick reacts after the match
However, they have been trying to amend the mistakes made by the Glazers during their time running the club, which saw many top talents depart for bargain fees.
Midfielder James Garner is a player who certainly falls into the aforementioned category, after being allowed to leave his boyhood club to join Everton in the summer of 2022.
Despite being one of the club’s most promising young talents, the hierarchy allowed him to join the Toffees for just £9m - a deal that now looks to be a huge mistake on their part.
Everton's James Garner during the warm up before the match
Everton's James Garner during the warm up before the match
In the four years since his departure from Old Trafford, the 25-year-old has developed into a consistent Premier League performer - subsequently featuring 120 times in such a division.
Garner has become a mainstay in David Moyes’ side, which has even allowed him to become a regular member of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad in 2026.
His stats from the current campaign showcase his quality at either end of the pitch - highlighting why he’s now a mega upgrade on £70m United signing Baleba.
James Garner - stats since leaving Man Utd
Season
2022/23
2023/24
2024/25
2025/26
2026/27*
Total
The Englishman has managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted this term, whilst averaging more chances created per 90 - with Garner ranking in the top 20% of midfielders in Europe for the latter.
He’s also managed to register more combined goals and assists this term, with the former Red Devil undoubtedly a player who can offer a greater output in possession.
Without the ball, the Everton star has also managed to dominate Baleba, as seen by his higher ground duel success rate and higher average of defensive contributions per 90.
As a result of his tremendous form in recent years, Garner has seen his market value skyrocket, with the 25-year-old valued at £65m over the summer via reports from talkSPORT.
Given his rise and recent form, there’s no denying that United dropped the ball and made a huge mistake in allowing him to leave so early on in his career.
As for Baleba, it’s certainly early days in his time in Manchester, but he’s already found himself under huge pressure after his struggles in the opening few months of his time at the club.