With time ticking down in the transfer window, the Manchester United squad is taking shape. Daniel James and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are already in the door, while Harry Maguire is set to join them in the coming days.
With those signings, United have strengthened three areas of weakness. One area they are yet to address in central midfield.
Ander Herrera left for PSG, while Nemanja Matic and Fred looked way off the pace last season. It was assumed they would strengthen in this position, but with time running out in the window, that currently looks unlikely.
As if they weren't regretting their lack of recruits already, Nemanja Matic reminded them of their needs this evening.
Matic is no longer good enough to play in a holding midfield role for Manchester United, not if they want to compete at the top level. He is far too slow, and offers little in terms of mobility. Even more importantly, he is poor on the ball.
We saw that once again in the friendly against AC Milan, when his lack of basic ability on the ball meant United gave away a poor goal.
It was finished well by Suso, but Matic should never be losing the ball in this position.
Manchester City, Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea all have quality players in this position, something that will give them a big advantage.
Harry Maguire will help advance the ball from the back for United, but there is only so much he can do with Nemanja Matic in front of him. Maybe this incident will spur Ed Woodward into action over the next couple of days.
