Erik ten Hag articulated the problem facing him and Manchester United in the immediate aftermath of their 4-0 humiliation at Brentford.
“We need new players,” said ten Hag. “We need quality players, we're working on that and we will do everything to convince them to come.” In the past, United never needed to convince players to join them. The lure of playing at Old Trafford, for the most storied club in world football, was enough in itself.
Players did not need to think twice when United came calling, particularly in the all-conquering era of Sir Alex Ferguson, when they were the dominant team at home and a major force in Europe. Now, however, top players need to be persuaded to join United, a club in turmoil and one at its lowest ebb since Ferguson walked off into the sunset with the club's last Premier League title almost a decade ago.
