Speaking exclusively with BOYLE Sports , former Premier League defender Glen Johnson has outlined what Man Utd need to challenge at the top, casting doubt over big-money signing Benjamin Sesko arguing he's "yet to be convinced"
The Londoner and former West Ham United academy product has discussed Arsenal's quadruple aspirations, and the survival hopes for both West Ham United and Tottenham.
Man Utd
Champions League Football, Then Who?
Manchester United used to make the big market signings every year, but it was only one player, because that's all they needed. They were probably the best team in the world, and they were signing another best player in the world. They don't have that luxury anymore. So I don't think it's the fact that they're one key man away from competing. Obviously, they have a good bunch of players there for sure, but I still think they need two or three.
They're miles off of competing at the very top at the moment. So, I don't think I could even pick one. I don't know, but for sure it'd be a striker, probably a striker and a centre-half. I know that's like a cliché for obvious places to look, but if you don't concede, you can't lose.
I think they need to build back from their foundations, but to pick one, I just don't think they need one. I still think they're like two or three players away, but top players as well.
"Not Convinced" By Sesko
Time will tell, but I’m not totally convinced by Benjamin Sesko . We're used to Manchester United having the main striker in the league, like every year. I know that hasn't been the case for a long time now, but because you're so used to that, sometimes you can think they still deserve or should have that. However, they don't have that luxury anymore, certainly not at the moment.
Kane To Old Trafford?
Harry Kane is the level that we're talking about with Manchester United for sure. And again, they probably missed their moment to get him, especially at the right time for his career. Someone who is guaranteed goals, no risk. A Harry Kane move isn’t happening now, but that’s the level they need.
Premier League
Arsenal's Quadruple Chances
To win the quadruple is almost impossible. I wouldn't be putting any money on it, but you could definitely see them winning two trophies. They are very hard to beat, and they are still in all competitions. So you could totally understand why Arsenal fans would be excited because they can beat anyone at the moment.
Whether they can do that consistently, with a bit of luck in terms of lack of injuries, across all four competitions, is a different thing. But they are one game away from a trophy straight away, and they look like they are going to win the league.
So, you only need to really add a few more games on top of that, and you're very close. But again, it's just very hard to do for obvious reasons. However, they are hard to beat, and they are in all the competitions at the moment.
Can West Ham Stay Up?
For West Ham , it’s certainly a lot more upbeat now than it was, that's for sure. I think Spurs are now only four points from the relegation zone.
You're in that position because you're not winning games. The chances of them beating Crystal Palace and Liverpool is highly unlikely. But they definitely need to start winning, you know, because teams around them eventually will. So if they're not doing the same, then they're really in this relegation fight.
Tottenham
Spurs Managerial Conundrum
You'd like to think that they're aware of the situation. Whether they're good enough to do anything about it at the moment, we don't know, because they wouldn't be in this position.
We are at the start of March, and by the amount of games they've played by March, they are in a position because they are either winning games or they are not. So, it's not like they're down there after two games and everyone's like, 'Who cares? It's going to be absolutely fine.' It's March.
So, they need to realise that they are in this relegation fight, and the players need to roll their sleeves up and do something about it, because Tottenham can't get relegated. Well, they can, but I mean, they really shouldn't.
Micky van de Ven Next Steps
Micky van de Ven at Liverpool or Manchester United ? There'd probably be a lot of players that people would want to look at, but the ones they are looking at are still the players who are in this team and in a relegation battle. So there would be a couple of gems you could get on the cheap, for sure. But, as I say, if they were that good, they wouldn't be in this position.
Managers need to know that ability alone isn't enough. Players need to be willing to do what their teammates, the manager, and the team require in games. It's not nice to see someone publicly disagreeing with in-house decisions like Micky van de Ven did.
Disagreeing in the dressing room or on the training ground is fine, as you want the best for everyone. But to do it publicly is off-putting. It gives the impression that a player is better than the rest. And maybe he is, but that's not the point. You don't want to see that.
Will Maddison Move?
James Maddison to a big six club? I think he'd be further down. Again, a fantastic player on his day, but he hasn't ever really blown the league apart. So, I think he'd be looking lower than the top six. He hasn't made his stamp on England 's situation. And, obviously, if he gets relegated, that can just be unfortunate; it's not because of him, but there's a reason why sometimes you're in these battles.
I just think someone like James Maddison is good enough to pull them out of this rubbish. Again, he can't do it on his own, but he has the ability to. He’s obviously been out injured, and maybe that’s why they're struggling and find themselves where they are. But again, it's not just about him and his fitness. The whole squad is struggling. He's a fantastic player, obviously, but to do that under the pressure of a top six, I'm not so sure.
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