5 teams who have had a disappointing transfer window

#3 Manchester United

Manchester United may have started with a win, but their display was far from convincing

And now we come to the red side of Manchester, who were under intense scrutiny in the transfer window. Manchester United had a fine 2017/18 season, but their improvements were entirely shadowed by the extraordinary campaign of their cross-town rivals.

Jose Mourinho and Ed Woodward did good business in bringing Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk to Old Trafford, but the signings of a 35-year-old third-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant and a 19-year-old right-back in Diogo Dalot are far from convincing and strengthening their squad.

The Red Devils finished as the team to concede the least number of goals last season, a testament to Jose Mourinho's defensive-minded philosophy. But that did little to mask the frailties of their leaky backline.

To start with, United had to find an able defender to partner Eric Bailly at the back, considering how the likes of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling were ineffective in protecting the goal last season. They chased Toby Alderweireld, Harry Maguire and Jerome Boateng for a large amount of time in the transfer market but with futile attempts.

First-choice captain Antonio Valencia, too, has been unimpressive, given his incompetency in providing dangerous crosses from the flanks during attacks. The situation on the left is no different, with both Young and Shaw yet to earn the trust of the United faithful as worthy starters.

Manchester United started the 2018/19 with a win, but their performance did little to convince the fans that the team could be a force to reckon as the season commences. And should they fail to fulfil the expectations, an incompetent summer will lie as the most crucial amongst all their reasons for failure.