Man United have had their worst start up to this point in a season – the international break – since the Premier League era had begun in the 1992-93 season. In the last four seasons the Red Devils have only achieved a top-four finish once.

The fearless United we used to know are different and they’re becoming less and less relevant ever since the post-Ferguson era began. Can they become a relevant force again both in England and in Europe?

Squad Depth …

Man United are only an injury away from having a crisis of sorts. The squad depth has been thinned and there is no suitable replacement if superstar midfielder Pogba was to go down.

United were content with letting go of Valencia, Fellaini, Herrera, Sanchez, Lukaku, Smalling and Darnian. The team only brought in a handful of suitable replacements in Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Daniel James.

Recently against Southampton on Matchday 4 the lack of squad depth was severely exposed. The only experienced players on the United bench were Lingard, Matic and Rojo all who are either out of favour or form. Also on the bench were three academy graduates with barely any senior appearances between them.

Mason Greenwood & Tahith Chong are the future of United.

Youth Policy …

Post match following the game against Southampton, Solskjaer reiterated on numerous occasions that United were going through a period of transition. Like Lampard at Chelsea, Solskjær has a youth policy which includes Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong.

Their depth is truly exposed in the forward line. If Rashford or Martial were to go down at any time during the season, both Greenwood and Chong would be shouldered with the burden of scoring the bulk of goals which would place immense pressure on them.

One of the key differences at the moment between Chelsea and United’s youth policies is that the young players at United aren’t surrounded by the experience and proven quality to help develop players to a pre-Ferguson level.

The Competition …

During the downfall of United post-Ferguson the league has continued to evolve. The likes of Liverpool and Man City have dominated the league and they don’t look like they’re slowing down any time soon.

Chelsea and Arsenal have also remained solidly competitive but the likes of Tottenham have taken their football to the next level under Mauricio Pochettino. Under Pochettino the Spurs have continued to lock down a top-four position subsequently at the expense of United.

With the football Liverpool, Man City and Tottenham are playing they are virtually locks for the first three Champions League spots, with Arsenal and Chelsea playing for the fourth. United have effectively been pushed to the fringes and look likely to be playing Europa League football for the foreseeable future.