Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFormer Manchester United striker Louis Saha has delivered a damning assessment of his old clubs trajectory, insisting the squad has failed to improve - and may have actually regressed - while questioning their reliance on inexperienced forwards.Speaking candidly about the current state of affairs at Old Trafford, the two-time Premier League winner did not hold back when asked if Jason Wilcox and the INEOS recruitment model put in place was working."No, definitely not," Saha said. "Its very clear, and you dont need to know much about football. Even my partner can say that, and she doesnt watch much football, but every time she hears me, she can look at the games and have a very simple take on it."Saha: 'The team has not improved'Michael Carrick was sacked as Manchester United manager on Thursday and will be replaced by USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino.But Saha says the problems run deeper than the manager and pointed to the void left by seasoned campaigners like Casemiro as a primary reason for Uniteds struggles, arguing that the current midfield lacks the necessary steel and know-how to control matches at the highest level. You may like Manchester United must end a vicious cycle after Michael Carricks exit HENRY WINTER: Pathetic Manchester United are repeating history all over again but Michael Carrick calls must be resisted Gary Neville accuses Manchester United of 'absolute negligence' in the transfer window "Its obvious the team has not improved, if it hasnt got worse, because, Im saying, Casemiro was a guarantee," he explained to FootballPredictions.com. "He was someone who had this experience, that aggressiveness at the right moment. I think we do lack physical power."Beyond the engine room, Saha expressed deep concern over Uniteds recruitment strategy in the final third. While acknowledging the immense expectations that come with wearing the Manchester United shirt, the Frenchman argued that tasking young, foreign players with leading the line is setting them up to fail.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."With no disrespect to other teams, its a special club, with the Champions League," Saha added. "I dont think a striker should be young at the top of this team. For me, it doesnt make sense. Its a lot of pressure, especially when you come from another country. You have too many of those who dont have the experience to be the solution, and I think thats a big mistake. Its just a big mistake."Reflecting on Sir Alex Fergusons era - where Saha competed alongside the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Cristiano Ronaldo - the 48-year-old admitted he is baffled by the current lack of prolific firepower."I dont like to refer to the past again, but before, it was maybe four or five strikers who used to score 20 goals a season, and now you have only one or two. I dont understand."LouisSahawas speaking toFootballPredictions.comTOPICSLouis SahaPremier LeagueJames AndrewSocial Links NavigationEditorJames Andrew is the editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing both the magazine and website. James is an NCTJ qualified journalist and began his career as a news reporter in regional newspapers in 2006 before moving into sport a year later. In 2011 he started a six year stint on the sports desk at the Daily Mail and MailOnline. James was appointed editor of FourFourTwo in December 2019. Across his career James has interviewed the likes of Franco Baresi, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Michael Owen. James has been a Fulham season ticket holder since the mid-1990s and enjoys watching them home and away, through promotion and relegation.
