Manchester United were knocked out of the Europa League by Sevilla, in a 3-0 loss last night following a series of calamitous errors from David de Gea. This marked the first competition United have been knocked out of this season and was a truly humbling experience for the Reds.
The result and performance confirmed what many United fans were already aware of, that a massive rebuild is needed to turn this side into one with the quality to win multiple trophies. So where are the key areas United must improve, who should they sell or let go and what other key things must change.
The most obvious point from the Sevilla debacle is that De Gea is not good enough and hasn’t been for quite some time. Ole Gunnar Solskjær knew it when he tried - and failed - to make Dean Henderson first choice.
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De Gea, while capable of the incredible goal-stopping save, is not good at much else. All three of his most voiced critiques were demonstrated last night, goal one caused by his distribution, goal two by his inability to claim crosses and third by his sweeping.
Therefore, it is pivotal that a new, more modern goalkeeper is brought in come July, and that De Gea’s contract is allowed to run its course.
Harry Maguire as Manchester United captain has never clicked or seemed right, neither did the £80 million spend at the time. It makes little to no sense keeping a player like Maguire to be a bit-part squad member next season. Cashing in is of the utmost importance, and it’s highly likely that there will be a market for him in mid-table Premier League sides. Instead, United should look to bring in a younger option to develop and eventually succeed Raphael Varane next to Lisandro Martinez.
The United midfield has been praised heavily this season, but despite this it does seem to go missing and struggle often. Christian Eriksen and Casemiro have raised the level but with Scott McTominay’s unsure future, Fred seemingly out of favour with Ten Hag, and Marcel Sabitzer possibly going back to Bayern Munich, United need to reinforce. Expect two midfielders at least in what must be a summer of change at United.
Jadon Sancho has had a fall from grace worse than most. He was everyone’s dream signing for nearly two years before he finally made the move in 2021. However, since arriving he has never looked like the player United thought they were getting, so is it time for United to cut their losses, or sanction a loan move to try help him regain some confidence?
Anthony Martial when fit has all the tools to be United’s number nine - but he is rarely fit. It always feels like a matter of time until he picks up another knock he truly is made of glass. Therefore, while a striking incoming was already essential, it's possible that two number nines must come in.
With an FA Cup semi-final to play on Sunday and top four not yet in the bag, United’s season isn’t yet over but last night's low point was a huge disappointment.
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