Erik ten Hag has a £60 million headache to solve at Manchester United who was Glazers’ parting gift

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The performances haven’t been as bad as last season but that’s not a high bar to clear because the results have been unconvincing.

Brighton succeeded where Fulham failed as they scored a late goal to snatch all three points as Manchester United continued to look like a work in progress.

The split striker/false 9 system was persisted with, which meant no Joshua Zirkzee to provide a focal point at the top.

However, this game made it clear what has been increasingly obvious with every passing game. Erik ten Hag has a £60 million headache to solve as Glazers’ parting legacy.

Erik ten Hag’s selection headache

Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe only took proper control of transfers this summer and since no major signings were made in January, last summer is the Glazers’ final one in charge of football matters.

Four players came in on permanent transfers, one of which was backup goalkeeper Altay Bayindir. Two of the remaining three- Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana, have looked like they will be successes eventually.

That leaves Mason Mount, the £60 million (with add-ons) acquisition from Chelsea who spent the last season on the treatment table but has received game time this season.

It was said when he was signed that he doesn’t have an obvious fit at the club, there’s no role where he could come in and impact straightaway.

That has proven to be the case, and it was clearer than ever vs Brighton, as United started with four midfielders again and faced the same issues as they did vs Fulham.

Mount worked hard, pressed diligently, and showed nice passing acumen but that was all there was to it. Ten Hag has already said Mount will be fielded further forward but with playing forward comes the responsibility of contributing goals and assists.

One clear change coming

Mount came off at halftime vs Brighton and Ten Hag later said it was down to injury but it’s fair to assume that substitution would have been coming regardless.

United badly needed a focal point and in ideal circumstances, both Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund will play when fit.

For now, Zirkzee will have to do as he offers the same link-up play as Mount with better finishing and hold-up ability.

United look like a better outfit with Zirkzee on the pitch, as it also allows Fernandes to drop his roaming playmaker role and remain further forward, where he is at his best.

Mount still remains a good asset to the team, but for now, especially in light of his recent injuries, is threatening to be looked at as the final product of Glazers’ thoughtless spending.

A £60 million headache Ten Hag will have to find a use for, even if it is only as a player off the bench. He will have to get fit again first even for that to happen.