Manchester United’s loss to newly promoted Hull City should serve as a wake-up call for both INEOS and the players.
The co-owners have failed to back Michael Carrick sufficiently and it showed at the MKM Stadium. The Red Devils badly needed more physicality in the middle of the park, something Youri Tielemans has failed to add.
And Luke Shaw cannot be the answer to United’s left-back position. It is clear that a succession plan must be put in place before the summer window closes.
As for the experienced players, they let the team down on Saturday, with Harry Maguire among them. There have been reports that the former skipper was involved in a heated argument after the game, which prompted him to leave separately from his teammates.
Harry Maguire left separately amid argument rumours
But The Sun has quashed those rumours. The England international left due to personal reasons, with the report stating that he had the permission of the head coach to do so.
The centre-back’s family stays in Sheffield, which is close to Hull, and that could be the reason for the defender leaving alone.
United players are given the day off after a game since Carrick was appointed, so there was no question of not allowing Harry Maguire to leave on his own.
“HARRY MAGUIRE was not involved in an argument when he left the Manchester United team coach after their defeat to Hull City on Saturday.
Personal reasons cited
“Sources say Maguire had a personal issue to deal with and had permission to make his own way home.
“United players had a day off on Sunday, so were free to travel separately from the MKM Stadium and no argument took place.
“Maguire’s family are from Sheffield and it is possible he returned to his hometown given its proximity to Hull.”
It is time the experienced stars step up to the plate to ensure there are no further blips in the coming weeks.
The 20-time English league champions will next face another newly promoted side in Ipswich Town, and Old Trafford will be hoping for a vastly improved show next Sunday.
Feature image Molly Darlington via Getty Images
