Manchester United could find themselves in the fight for the Premier League title come the end of the season – but only if they make a couple of defensive signings, talkSPORT has been told.
The Red Devils were pegged back twice on Boxing Day as they drew 2-2 with high-flyers Leicester City.
Bruno Fernandes got a goal and an assist against Leicester but his side could only draw the game
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side could have put themselves firmly in the hunt for silverware with all three points, especially by beating a top of the table rival.
However, some weak defensive moments cost them dear with Harvey Barnes’ long range effort beating David de Gea and Jamie Vardy’s strike finding the net off the legs of substitute Axel Tuanzebe.
Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor still believes United will be contenders for the crown this campaign, despite the Boxing Day blow, but does have some worries about their backline.
And he also claims the defence and midfield must do a lot more to protect an out of form De Gea, whom he feels is no longer at an elite level in England.
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“I think even today, look at the goals they conceded, they will be frustrated,” said Agbonlahor on the Sports Bar.
“I mean, the [Harvey] Barnes one; [Scott] McTominay has been playing very well recently but you can’t let players shoot from there. He didn’t make any effort to stop the shot.
“You’ve got to look at that and think to yourself ‘don’t let him shoot’ because, no offence to [David] De Gea, he makes good saves, but he is starting to let goals go in that other goalkeepers save. I think the Aston Villa keeper [Emiliano Martinez] saves that today.
“I just think De Gea doesn’t make that many great saves anymore so you have to protect him. Get out the ball and stop it.
De Gea could have saved Barnes’ strike for Leicester, believes Agbonlahor
“I still fancy Manchester United to be up there at the end of the season. It’s just frustrating with what they have got going forward.
“A couple of defensive signings and they could go and fight for the title.
“Imagine what a centre-back would do.”