A member of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff privately criticised the lack of depth in Manchester United’s squad before the Red Devils crashed out of the Europa League.
A 2-1 defeat to Sevilla in the semi-finals ensured United ended the season trophyless for a third consecutive campaign.
United’s form transformed in late January following the arrival of Bruno Fernandes and the Reds lost just one game in all competitions before their Europa League campaign resumed, which ensured they finished in third place in the Premier League.
However, Solskjaer leaned heavily on the same starting XI following a run of fine results and the likes of Jesse Lingard, Daniel James and Odion Ighalo barely got a look in towards the end of the Premier League campaign.
After a brief break, United resumed their Europa League campaign but they were unconvincing in a 2-1 win against LASK and it took extra-time and a penalty to beat Copenhagen in the next round.
Despite United’s poor display against the Danes, Solskjaer didn’t make a sub until the 90th minute when Juan Mata was introduced and the Times claims an unnamed coach privately admitted that the club do not have enough firepower on the bench to change games.
It’s claimed the coach bemoaned the lack of options beyond the starting XI and that it was conceded that the club are reliant upon a first choice front six.
That much was shown against Sevilla just five days later when Solskjaer waited until the 87th minute to bring on the likes of Mata, James and Ighalo.
It’s an issue that United are trying to rectify this summer with the addition of targets Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish, while a centre-back is also seen as a priority.
However, United are struggling to agree a fee for Sancho and personal terms have also proven to be a stumbling block.
As for Grealish, Aston Villa want £75m while United are only willing to offer around £55m.
