Football News Update: Manchester United’s Squad Concerns Ahead of 2024/25 Premier League Season
Manchester United legend Roy Keane has identified two key positions of concern for the club as they prepare for the upcoming 2024/25 Premier League season.
The Red Devils have been active in the summer transfer window, spending £150 million on four new players. These signings include Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui. However, United are still in the market for a new defensive midfielder, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte being heavily pursued.
Keane, the former United captain, has expressed worries about the team’s “spine,” particularly the goalkeeper position, which will be filled by Andre Onana, and the striking duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee.
“For all the nice play they have and good players, I still worry about the goalkeeper and striker,” Keane said. “On paper they have a decent squad, but the reality is when they’ve played games, and last year with their record in the league they were so open.”
Despite these concerns, Keane expects United to improve on their eighth-place finish in the 2023/24 Premier League season. “I fully expect United will do a lot better than last year,” he added. “They can’t finish eighth again, can they? They can’t be that bad. But we are talking about fourth here.”
Fellow pundit and former United teammate Gary Neville echoed Keane’s sentiments, stating that the team’s top-four aspirations will hinge on their ability to stay clear of injuries, particularly at the left-back position where the drop-off from Luke Shaw is significant.
United’s recent Community Shield defeat to Manchester City has, however, filled Neville with some hope. He noted the tactical changes made by manager Erik ten Hag, including the deployment of Kobbie Mainoo alongside Casemiro in midfield, as well as a more compact and narrow approach.
As the new Premier League season approaches, all eyes will be on Manchester United’s efforts to strengthen their squad and address the concerns raised by Keane and Neville. The club’s performance in the upcoming campaign will be closely watched by football enthusiasts across the country.
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