The January transfer window has slammed shut, leaving Manchester United without the attacking reinforcements they so desperately needed. With Mathys Tel opting for a loan move to Tottenham instead, United’s striking struggles remain a pressing issue.
Following their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last Sunday, attention now turns to their FA Cup clash against Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City. We caught up with former United defender Paul Parker to preview the match and discuss the club’s uncertain future.
Tel May Be Better Off Away from United’s Negativity
Manchester United have been in dire need of attacking reinforcements despite signing Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee in the last two summer windows. The club had been heavily linked with Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, but he instead secured a loan move to Tottenham until the end of the season.
This leaves United reliant on Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho alongside their two strikers. Paul Parker believes Tel may have dodged a bullet by avoiding the current negativity surrounding United.
“I think everyone will be disappointed. Not that everyone has great knowledge about him, but the fans saw someone who actually plays through the middle.
“Tel hasn’t played a lot of football. He is a young boy, and maybe it’s good for him not to be affected by all the negativity at Man United. Now, he’s joined Tottenham, and people might speak more positively about him as well.”
Tottenham have paid a loan fee of up to €10 million to Bayern and are covering his entire salary until the summer, with an option to buy for €60 million. However, Parker questions why Tel would opt for Spurs, where Dominic Solanke is already established as the main striker, instead of choosing United, where he might have had more opportunities for game time.
“There must have been a reason why he changed his mind. It’s not a good sign that it happened. Especially because he went to Tottenham, who already spent a lot of money on Solanke.
“Bayern Munich want him to get games, and I think his chances of getting a lot of minutes would be better at Man United than Tottenham.
“Tottenham’s problem isn’t really about attacking players, so I don’t get it.”
Parker Urges United Fans to Back Amorim and Show Patience
United’s struggles under Amorim have been alarming, with five defeats in their last seven home league games. Despite warning fans that things would worsen before improving, the club appears to be regressing. Parker urges supporters to remain patient and hopes Amorim will be given full control to lead the club forward.
“The fans have to be patient. We know they won’t win titles or compete for top spots. It’s not going to happen. I don’t even want to put a time on it because I don’t know when it will change. I have no idea.
“They have to focus on what’s happening now and what the club can do with what they’ve got. Soon, we’ll have another summer, where we hope Man United will go out and buy early.
“We can only hope that the manager has a big say in it. I don’t hope that the guys with ties in the ownership will take too much control of these things. They shouldn’t be the ones bringing players in.”
Amorim has already begun reshaping the squad, with Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia departing on loan. Yet, Parker remains deeply concerned about United’s direction.
“They have to go with what the manager wants. They have to get him what he believes will make the team better. Personally, I am really worried. I am worried if we will get anything. Any positivity at all.
“Now, they are planning on building a singing and dancing venue. It’s a venue, not a stadium, that they are going to build.
“Unfortunately, people’s interest in history has disappeared, and they are more tolerant of these changes. When I am at Old Trafford now, everything just tells me how bad it really is at that club. This country needs a strong Manchester United, but it’s really difficult.”
Manchester United vs Leicester City Preview
United currently sit 13th in the Premier League, while their FA Cup tie sees them take on Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City, who are third from bottom. This is a must-win for United, while Leicester may view the fixture as a welcome distraction from their league struggles. Given United’s inconsistent league form, the FA Cup represents a rare opportunity for silverware.
“Amorim needs to win something. He needs to win every game. It’s as simple as that. There are no excuses for them, and beating Leicester will be so important. There will be love around because Ruud van Nistelrooy will return to Old Trafford.
“The problem for Man United is that they are playing at Old Trafford. The players look nervous. They actually look scared. They are scared to play at Old Trafford.”
Van Nistelrooy, a United legend, returns to Old Trafford having made his mark as a prolific goalscorer and later serving as interim manager following Erik ten Hag’s departure.
“They have to score the first goal. If they go behind, there will be panic straight away. The team is just not working, and it’s almost in every aspect.
“They are slow with the ball. The backline doesn’t want to play the ball forward. Maguire is slow, the goalkeeper is scared, and the ball is going backwards all the time.
“Good sides pass backwards as a last resort when under pressure, but Man United do it all the time. They have big problems playing at home, so I have no expectations. Not even against Leicester.”
Manchester United are priced at 1/3 on bet365 to beat Leicester, in what should be a routine win for the Red Devils if they’re anywhere near their best. Leicester have found it tough to build any sort of momentum lately, and are likely to be pushed onto the back foot for the majority of the match at Old Trafford this weekend.
