Manchester United’s struggles this season have left fans searching for answers, and club legend Paul Parker believes a crucial transfer decision from two years ago is still haunting them.
United’s woes deepened on Sunday with a 1-0 loss to Tottenham, marking their 12th league defeat of the season. The Red Devils now sit 15th in the Premier League, just 12 points above the relegation zone an unthinkable position for a club of their stature.
Among the many issues plaguing the team, Parker pinpointed one major mistake: letting David de Gea leave.
The club spent nearly £50 million on Andre Onana in 2023, but Parker remains unconvinced by the Cameroon international, insisting that United made a grave error by not keeping their long-serving Spanish shot-stopper.
“There’s no great pace in the backline, and then you look at the goalkeeper,” Parker told Betfred. “I think they made a massive mistake letting David de Gea go so quickly. They could have kept him there, built a team, and then discussed bringing in a new goalkeeper.
“For me, it’s more important for a goalkeeper to use his hands rather than his feet.”
De Gea, who made over 500 appearances and won four Player of the Year awards at United, was willing to extend his stay, but the club allowed his contract to expire in 2023. He remained a free agent for a year before signing with Fiorentina.
Beyond the goalkeeper situation, Parker believes United’s squad lacks creativity, and the club’s current instability could make it difficult to attract top players.
“The midfield lacks creativity, so buying two players isn’t going to be enough,” he continued. “Do clubs want to let players go to Manchester United? More importantly, do players want to come to Manchester United at this time?
“If you’re looking from the outside, United isn’t a good place to be right now.”
Ruben Amorim was expected to spark a turnaround after replacing Erik ten Hag in November, but instead, United’s form has worsened.
Former Premier League striker Glenn Murray believes the squad looks even weaker under Amorim.
“It’s hard to believe, but I think they probably do [look worse than under Ten Hag],” Murray told BBC Radio 5 Live. “There’s definitely a lack of belief. Maybe the players aren’t top-level, but make them top players—coach them into being top players.
“We’ve seen it at clubs like Bournemouth and Brighton why can’t Manchester United do it?
“United are playing as a bunch of individuals. It almost feels like a stepping-stone club now players come, do their bit, and get out.
The most damning thing? Players who left are performing better elsewhere under different structures. Is it a cultural problem?”
With United’s season spiraling downward, the club must find solutions quickly because if Parker and Murray are right, their problems run much deeper than just tactics and transfers.