Manchester United's summer seems to have been one of frustration despite three incoming transfers and the new squad numbers for this season's Premier League prove exactly where their biggest failing in the window was.
Happy Premier League day everyone. Finally after several months off, in which thankfully we had the World Cup to keep us occupied, the top tier of English football returns with Manchester United vs Leicester tonight.
Speaking of United it's been interesting to watch Jose Mourinho warming up for his usual third season melt down, which is due at Old Trafford this season, as he's started picking his fights in pre-season.
First he decided to criticise Paul Pogba for being brilliant at the World Cup, because obviously, then Anthony Martial was in the crosshairs for daring to have a child and spend some time with the newborn, disgraceful behaviour, and finally there was the constant moaning about transfers.
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United seemed intent on only replacing players who left rather than improving on the squad. Fred replaced the retired Michael Carrick, Diogo Dalot seemed like a Matteo Darmian replacement but so far is only replacing Daley Blind and Lee Grant replaced Sam Johnstone.
What Jose Mourinho really seemed to want was a centre back and United's new squad numbers seem to prove that. Marcos Rojo has given up the number five shirt, leaving the centre back number vacant:
It's plausible that the reason that Rojo dropped his number, rather than Phil Jones, Eric Bailly or Victor Lindelof, is that the Argentine defender was linked with a move to Everton.
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The Red Devils were reportedly interested in Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire, Yerry Mina, Jerome Boateng, Diego Godin and Raphael Varane, although a move for Gary from the Dog and Duck couldn't have been ruled out.
United's current centre backs could hardly have been filled with much confidence watching their club seemingly desperate to sign another player for their position whilst Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe must have been left a little confused that they've gone out on loan.
Matteo Darmian doesn't have a squad number so there's a good chance he'll leave before the end of the month.
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Another interesting move in the squad numbers is seeing that Marcus Rashford has moved from the number 19 shirt into the number 10 shirt.
How will United get on this season?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Jose Mourinho, Manchester United, Premier League, England, Transfer news
