Before the transfer window closes, Man Utd must strengthen in one area

 When Manchester United’s disconsolate players stood on the San Mames pitch after the Europa League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, it marked one of the low points in the club’s modern history.

The aftermath of that result in Bilbao was characterised by a wave of pessimism taking over all conversation regarding the club, with questions over where United were heading and whether they could even afford the scale of the rebuild that was required.

United managed to answer those questions by spending over £200m on the signings of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, but they have quickly learned that sometimes the most notable effect of making several big name signings is that the new players then make it blatantly clear what you’re still missing.

This exact situation came to pass in brutal fashion last week, when Altay Bayindir was exposed at a corner and could not prevent the ball reaching Ricardo Calafiori, who nodded in the only goal of a 1-0 win for Arsenal.

However, while the game against Arsenal served to illustrate United’s goalkeeping problem, the weekend’s dispiriting draw against Fulham highlighted an entirely different issue – that of the midfield.

There was another glaring issue on show at Craven Cottage, and one that has been apparent since the early days of Ruben Amorim’s tenure. United once again lacked control, with the two-man midfield of Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro often overrun in the middle of the park.

It was something that Alex Iwobi alluded to in his post-match interview – stating that Fulham “knew we would be able to get behind their midfield” – and the winger has essentially told everyone that United need new options in midfield, new tactics or both.

The midfield issue is a little less obvious than that of the goalkeeper, though with Bayindir having flapped at several set-pieces on Sunday, the calls for United to sign a new goalkeeper will only continue. They at least seem close to being answered too, with The Independent reporting that United are now in talks to sign young Belgian ‘keeper Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp.