Bruno Fernandes’ captaincy, Marcus Rashford role, midfield woes and new signings – what Erik ten Hag needs to fix at Manchester United

It may only be two games into the new Premier League season, but Erik ten Hag may need to rethink things already.

Manchester United have looked well below par in those two matches, scraping a win against Wolves and then comfortably being outplayed by Tottenham.

Club legends have been sounding the alarm already with the likes of Roy Keane calling them the new Spurs. It’s probably as brutal a put down as he could think of.

United have already spent £180million on signings, but they can forget about top four if things continue like they have started.

The Red Devils will have no hope of catching last season’s title winners Man City or their closest rivals Arsenal.

Liverpool have strengthened and even Chelsea, who have splashed the cash this summer, have shown more than United despite their own disappointing start. 

Brighton and Newcastle will likely be formidable again and Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham already look like they will cause problems despite the sale of Harry Kane.

Here at talkSPORT.com, we have taken a look at what United need to do between now and the end of the transfer window.

The most damning stat from the first two games of the season was that Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount have been dribbled past more than any other midfielders in the Premier League.

Ten Hag needs to rethink his midfield plans as they are currently being dominated in that area.

«I think they have big problems in midfield. The set-up of their midfield is not right for me. I think there are a few things wrong,» said Jamie Carragher on Monday Night Football. «The manager's set up, what he is asking them to do in terms of the profile of players, is not right.»

Showing clips from their defeat to Tottenham, Carragher added: «This guy in midfield