Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has said that the Red Devils need to follow Arsenal’s transfer strategy following their Champions League exit. Ralf Rangnick’s men saw their European adventure ended on Tuesday evening as Atletico Madrid sealed a 1-0 success at Old Trafford.
Coupled with the 1-1 draw in Spain, it means that United now have little to play for besides a top four place between now and the end of the season. As it stands, it is Arsenal who hold the advantage in that particular battle as they sit one point clear of the Red Devils - albeit with three games in-hand. That lead could potentially be extended as the Gunners take on Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Whilst Arsenal have been praised for the turnaround this season, one aspect that has seen them draw plenty of plaudits is their faith in youth. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe are among the academy graduates to have sparkled, whilst summer signings Ben White, Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale have also all impressed despite their tender years.
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Hargreaves has urged the Red Devils to potentially put faith in more youth both from their academy and from a transfer viewpoint.
Speaking after Manchester United’s defeat to Atletico Madrid, he said: "Look at Arsenal, they went 24 and under and that’s where we’re going to go.
“Look, it took them a year to get where they want to be. United need to take a step back and build from the ground up. There’s a lot pieces but it’ll take time."
Meanwhile, with the race for the top four looking likely to go down to the wire, the former Bayern Munich man has actually backed the Red Devils to miss out considering the Gunners recent form.
He continued: “It [top four finish] looks unlikely with where Arsenal and Tottenham are, but they can do it. If they go on a good run and finish the season strongly they can do it, but the issue is the result tonight [against Atletico Madrid] would’ve taken a lot of air out of their sails.”
