Manchester United suffered a hugely frustrating defeat, with both the result and the overall performance leaving plenty to be concerned about. The team lacked urgency, intensity and attacking quality for large periods, while there was very little movement or creativity to trouble the opposition.
The tactical decisions will also come under scrutiny, particularly the choice to deploy Cunha as the central striker and Dorgu out on the left wing. With the midfield still struggling to provide enough control, creativity and physical presence, it is becoming increasingly obvious that the squad needs significant improvement.
United urgently need a quality left-back who can strengthen that side of the team, while the midfield also requires reinforcements capable of adding energy, creativity and control. More importantly, the club has to show greater ambition in the transfer market and address the weaknesses that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
It is a painful way to begin, but there is still plenty of football ahead. United must learn from this performance, make the necessary changes and respond quickly.
