Former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has revealed what Manchester United need to do in order to become serious title contenders in the Premier League.
Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch has claimed that Manchester United are still not ready to challenge for the Premier League title and believes that they will need to address another key issue before becoming serious contenders.
Manchester United did some brilliant business during the summer transfer window, bringing in top players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sought to win his first trophy as manager of the Mancunian club. However, after a bright start, things have taken a turn for the worse for the Red Devils over the past few weeks.
An exit from the Carabao Cup, dropping points in back-to-back home games in the Premier League has led to pressure as well as question marks over the team and their manager. And, Crouch has now opined that the 20-time English champions are still not cut out to challenge for the biggest honours.
“Here is an outrageous squad of players. Top class, quality everywhere, with possibly the greatest player in the world at their disposal. But there still remains a nagging feeling that they are not ready for a sustained title challenge. “But would there be any major surprise if Solskjaer fails to sustain a title challenge?” he wrote.
“Everton provided some form of proof. Another home game where United ultimately flattered to deceive and those are the occasions where it seems they will continue to falter.”
The ex-Liverpool and England hitman believes that Manchester United need to address the defensive midfield position in order to become genuine conteders. He also points out at two players, Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, as someone who can be the final piece of the puzzle for the Red Devils.
“Solskjaer will want a player who can link the different units and act as a stable base when the ball is turned over and every great team needs a defensively-minded man capable of progressing the ball,” Crouch added.
“Put Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips in there — spending another huge amount on a new signing — and it arguably becomes the strongest group in the league. That is why it is baffling, with just a central midfielder lacking, that we do not really believe they can go on and win this title.”
