Manchester United 's squad is "very ordinary" according to Harry Redknapp, who has warned Erik ten Hag that he must force the club to make more signings.
United are coming off the back of their worst ever Premier League season, and if it wasn't for the 18 league goals scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, it could have been a lot worse. So far, only Tyrell Malacia has been signed by Ten Hag, although a deal for Christian Eriksen is rumoured to be close.
But despite housing the likes of David de Gea, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and of course, Ronaldo, Redknapp has labelled United as a "very ordinary" team. The former Tottenham manager thinks that they are desperately short of good players, and urged them to 'get going' this summer.
Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Redknapp, speaking at the launch of SPITCH’s all new season mode, said: "A shortage of good players. You look at the team, it's very ordinary. The left-back Shaw is a good player but couldn't get him fit last year. They just look to me like they're all over the place.
"They have a lack of quality in the midfield, missing that player who can really make them play. Without Ronaldo's goals I don't know where they would have finished. Recruitment is going to be the key, they need to get going."
United have been left on standby as they try to force a move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong over the line, but with the Dutchman stalling, it appears to be holding them back. United have now reached the latter stages of a deal for Ajax defender Lisandro Martinez, but it's further forward where Redknapp is concerned.
The Red Devils have been blunted moving forward, as Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba have all left the club with no replacement signed thus far. It's likely that United will bring in reinforcements further up the pitch, but they may also see a lift in their younger stars by getting rid of some of their old timers.
But one player that is timeless is Ronaldo, and Redknapp highlighted his importance last year, which saved United from total embarrassment. But the 37-year-old may not even be at the club next season as he's been linked with a move away.
The five-time Ballon d'Or winner is desperate to continue his Champions League journey, and reportedly asked United to leave in order to find another club playing in Europe's top division. Ten Hag has come out and said that Ronaldo is part of his plans for next season, but Redknapp speculated that the Dutchman may feel a sense of relief if the Portuguese star does end up leaving Old Trafford.
"Some managers don't want big superstars. They're much happier managing a team without the egos and Ronaldo is one of the biggest in world football.
"Maybe he (Ten Hag) feels more comfortable without him as it's not like he's come from a big background. He's come from Ajax in Holland, not really yet managed at the top level.
"Now suddenly he's going to be working with one one of the greatest ever players. Maybe he might feel I'm better off without him. He may feel 'I can come in, get my message across, say what I want and work how I want to press'.
"He (Ronaldo) may not fit into that. Sometimes without being seen as the one that says 'I want him to go', behind the scenes he might be thinking 'I hope he does go, it may be better for me and the club'. Of course you can't always say what you think as the fans will not be happy with him.
"It's a tough situation so he will have to wait and see, but if Ronaldo does want to go you can be sure that he will." But Redknapp also can't see a logical destination for Ronaldo, which may force him to stay.
"At his age and at this stage where are you going to go that's better than Man Utd? Playing at Old Trafford every other week, I can't see where he'd go for Champions League football. He won't go anywhere else in England. So what's left? Going back to Italy or Real Madrid, I can't see him at PSG. I think he may stay."
Harry Redknapp was speaking at the launch of SPITCH’s all new Season Mode. SPITCH is a fantasy football app where you compete for the chance to win cash prizes. Sign up for free here 18+ only.
