Forget the midfield – Man Utd must urgently address two positions due to four struggling Reds

Sir Jim Ratcliffe looked on in despair from the stands on Sunday. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Manchester United are primarily focused on bolstering their midfield department in 2026, but two other playing roles arguably require additional attention.This season, Bruno Fernandes has been dropped to a deeper role to accomodate the arrivals of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. The club captain has formed a double-pivot with Casemiro.While this partnership certainly has its flaws, the two experienced stars have somehow made it work, keeping the younger Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte in the dugout.Needless to say, this department is in dire need of one or two fresh additions, especially Casemiro likely heading towards free agency.But while the arrival of a new midfielder can be delayed until the summer, Man Utd might have to act swiftly and decisively on other fronts.Man United have a glaring striker issueFor the first time this season, Joshua Zirkzee started a Premier League contest, spearheading the charge against Everton. However, the Dutchman’s headers couldn’t beat Jordan Pickford, who surprisingly maintained a clean sheet at Old Trafford, even with his team reduced to 10 men.(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)Following the Toffees’ shocking victory, Michael Owen slammed Zirkzee’s display, describing him as a player who’s never exciting to watch.However, it must be remembered that the former Bologna striker was replacing an equally struggling Benjamin Sesko.The Slovenian has always got the nod ahead of Zirkzee, as one would expect following his £70 million transfer last summer.However, the currently-injured bomber hasn’t been faring much better, as he has only scored twice in 11 Premier League appearances, leaving fans and observers to wonder if he truly is an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund, as initially promoted. Striker (Stats in 25/26) Club Appearances Goals Assists Benjamin Sesko Man Utd 12 2 1 Joshua Zirkzee Man Utd 6 0 0 Rasmus Hojlund Napoli 11 4 1 Patrick Dorgu & Diogo Dalot both struggling at left-wingbackIf United’s striking woes are becoming a glaring issue, then how about their left flank?Patrick Dorgu produced another stinker, with Manchester Evening News handing him an abysmal 3/10 rating.The young Dane will almost certainly be dropped from the lineup next weekend against Crystal Palace. However, it should be remembered that the man who will likely replace him, Diogo Dalot, was also axed for a similarly horrendous performance against Nottingham Forest three weeks back.So at this stage, Ruben Amorim has been left to pick his poison while alternating between two left-wing-back options.It has been recently confirmed that the young and exciting Harry Amass will remain at Sheffield Wednesday for the rest of the season, while Diego Leon isn’t ready for the first team just yet.With Lisandro Martinez working his way back to match fitness, Luke Shaw could emerge as an option on the wing, but the injury-prone Englishman might not have the legs to trot up and down the flank for 90 minutes as he used to.Therefore, it remains to be seen if INEOS are willing to splash the cash on a new left wing-back just 12 months after forking out £30 million to bring in Dorgu from Lecce.