Ralf Rangnick delivered a presentation to Manchester United’s hierarchy this month, giving a damning assessment of parts of the current squad, 90min understands.
The interim head coach is due to take up a consultancy role within the club in the summer, with talent appraisal and identification both key aspects of the job.
United’s current director of football John Murtough is keen for Rangnick to become an integral part of the club's structure delivering ideas to new CEO Richard Arnold.
90min have been told that Rangnick delivered an assessment of the squad in a meeting - Arnold was in attendance - that highlighted what he believed were the key issues with the playing staff.
One of the main issues that Rangnick stressed was the defence – indeed we are told that he recommended that major changes were needed.
It is understood that he stated that he told the club’s hierarchy that Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire – the most expensive defender in the world – were not good enough to be playing for Manchester United and, as such, would need replacing.
Full-backs Shaw and Wan-Bissaka have not enjoyed the best of seasons, while Maguire has also been criticised by fans for his performance - but it remains to be seen what decisions United take in the long and short term, having up until last summer believed they had a side capable of challenging for the top four.
One player Rangnick recommended that should be looked at closely is Wolves central defender Max Kilman, who has enjoyed a brilliant season at Molineux.
The interim head coach's assessment of the squad wasn't all negative however, as Rangnick is also believed to have made it clear that others have impressed, including under-fire midfielder Fred, who he maintains could play a key role in the side – especially if they adopted a pressing style of play moving forward.
Rangnick did deliver a list of potential targets for January which is understood to have included RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara amongst others. However, it remains to be seen if United’s hierarchy will look to spend before the summer, and before a new permanent manager is appointed.
United are currently in the process of narrowing down their preferred candidates to become their new permanent manager following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer late last year.
Source : 90min