Why it is difficult to enjoy watching Manchester United right now

#2 Paucity of Academy players

Manchester United manager, José Mourinho running the drills at their training ground

There are reports to the contrary, but actually United haven't got the nucleus of their side built from their academy players. If you have a good academy, you don't need deep pockets. In fact, the academy helps you get deep pockets by selling the talent that is surplus to requirements.

It is not a surprise today to see the club being linked to any player with one good season in any of the European leagues. The impression is that of a buying club than nurturing one.

Class of 92 remains one of Ferguson’s greatest achievements, and one of his biggest risks. Dismantling a successful team and replacing them with academy players was a remarkably bold move.

One or two, even four academy players in squads are not enough. That's what mediocre sides have, not the most decorated club in England. United today are neither creative nor attacking.

Strange times at a club where it is better to lose while attacking than winning playing dour football. Why is it that Carrington is not as good as La Masia? Or, to put it another way, how many of the academy players will be able to get into La Masia?