It has now been claimed that six Manchester United stars, including new signings Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, will hold the club back this season.
Former Liverpool star Graeme Souness has torn into some of the Red Devils' star players, saying that six of them will not help them achieve Premier League or Champions League success.
Read: Haaland rubbishes Mbappe comparisons
The 70-year-old, who also served as captain of Scotland but now works as a pundit, highlighted the side's new acquisitions Hojlund and Onana among them.
Although the pair cost United a combined fee of about £119 million (R2.8 billion), Souness believes they have not improved the team's first XI.
"I don't think Manchester United are going to be any better than they were last season," the Scot said, as per The Sun.
"They've spent £72 million on a young centre-forward in Rasmus Hojlund, who has not got a great goalscoring record.
"He played 34 games for Atalanta and only hit the back of the net 10 times. Now he's come to a league where it's really tough to get goals.
"I might be wrong but that's one hell of a gamble for somebody that doesn't have a proven track record.
"I think Onana will make them better at playing out from the back but will he do the most important thing in keeping the ball out the back of the net? I'm not sure about that one."
Stand A Chance To Win 1 Of 4 Pairs of Oakley Sunglasses!
He also took aim at Anthony Martial, who made 21 appearances last season, of which only 11 were starts, and missed 16 games through injury.
"I wrote an article five years ago stating it was the last chance saloon for Anthony Martial. Yet he's still starting matches as their main focal point in attack," Souness continued.
"He isn't a Manchester United player. He will get you excited and then let you down."
The former Liverpool man then zoomed in on wingers Jadon Sancho and Antony.
The pair have recently had their fair share of controversy. The England international is believed to be in hot water with manager Erik ten Hag after taking to social to media to deflect criticism of his attitude in training made by his manager.
The Brazilian, who joined the club at the start of last season from Ajax Amsterdam, has been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-girlfriend, and has agreed with United to delay his return to the club as he remains in Brazil while investigations continue.
"I still don't think Antony or Jadon Sancho are long-term solutions for United if they want to win the Premier League and Champions League. They're still relying on Marcus Rashford," Souness added.
The former Newcastle United manager then shifted his focus to one of United's star midfielders, Casemiro.
"I've been heavily criticised for saying this, but in my view Casemiro is a 'Steady Eddie'. He's a good player but not one you want to pay money to go and watch," he concluded.
Read: Liverpool's Salah replacement 'identified'
United have made an underwhelming start to the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, losing to Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur and picking up unconvincing wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
WATCH:
