Manchester United have only three players to build a team around

Manchester Evening News writer Jack Flintham argues that Manchester United currently possess only three players worth building around for the future: Shea Lacey, Kobbie Mainoo, and Carlos Baleba. Following a disappointing defeat to Bournemouth, Flintham highlights Lacey's lively cameo as a rare bright spot alongside Mainoo's vital midfield role and Baleba's early promise as a potential long-term Casemiro replacement.

Flintham writes that United's broader squad lacks long-term viability, pointing out that senior figures like Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, and Luke Shaw are aging. While noting that Benjamin Sesko is out with a shin injury and young defenders are being rushed, the writer contends that successive club owners are to blame for the lack of sustainable squad depth.