Manchester United's 'dead weight' and Erik ten Hag's future a 'big concern' despite club's £88m spending

Manchester United's squad is a 'big concern' ahead of the new Premier League season.

That is the view of talkSPORT's Manchester football correspondent Michael Gray, who has pointed out how much “dead weight” there still is at Old Trafford.

Manchester United paid £52m for Leny Yoro, who signed from Lille, and £36m for Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

But Gray feels the Red Devils needed many more new, quality signings following their disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, as well as loaning out less-favoured players.

Speaking to talkSPORT Breakfast on Monday, he said: “I still think it's worrying that they haven't made too many signings and the players they want to get out of the club are basically still there.

“Everyone talked about getting the job done as quickly as possible and getting the team completed as quickly as possible.

“Unfortunately they have not been able to do so.

“Two important signings have come through the door, but the current performances… If we go back to my time, pre-season was about getting fit.

“But I think it's a little bit more than that now.

“Looking ahead to this weekend's game against Manchester City “I still think there is a lot of concern there.”

Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane are among the players who have already been transferred by Manchester United.

Advocate Harry Maguire He has been linked with an exit but is yet to leave. Although talkSPORT understands the Red Devils are still willing to take advantage of it.

3

3

The restructuring of the team under Sir Jim Ratcliffe was expected to potentially include the removal of players such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Jadon SanchoAntonio and up Scott McTominay.

But despite being linked to departures, none have left so far.

Manchester United's season begins against Manchester City in the Community Shield final on Saturday 10th.

A crash against Fulham and a trip to Brighton will quickly follow, and Gray fears that failure to get results quickly will result in even more Pressure builds up on Ten Hag.

He continued: “If (Ten Hag) doesn't get off to a good start, there will be accusations.

“We know he is under pressure, we know what is going on behind the scenes at Manchester United And it's been a big change too.

“If he doesn't get off to a winning start in the first two or three games, it will be a concern, especially for Manchester United fans.”

Ten Hag has guided Man United to two titles in his two seasons, winning the Carabao Cup before claiming the FA Cup after beating rivals Man City.