Sir Alex Ferguson's assistant slams Man United transfer mistake Ruben Amorim has to put right

Sir Alex Ferguson's former assistant Mike Phelan has criticised Manchester United's transfer record, especially under Erik ten Hag, looking at the state of the squad potentially left to Ruben Amorim.

To find the source of Man United's problems of late, will depend how far back you are willing to go. There are things that have not been right since Ferguson and Phelan left the team to their successors, and ever since there has been a steady decline both on and off the field.

This week marks a turning point, with Ruben Amorim seemingly close to taking over as manager of the club following Ten Hag's dismissal earlier this week. Phelan was debating the state of Man United with Simon Jordan on talkSPORT.

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The ex-Crystal Palace chairman asserted that 'this is the worst squad that the club have ever assembled', adding that Amorim faces a major challenge to fix things.

"No, no [I agree]," Phelan responded. "I think, I was just going through my mind in terms of what's happened under Ten Hag over the last two-and-a-half years, you're looking at 15-16 players come into the club and a spend of probably £600m in two years."

The exact total actually works out to £616m, and it was in fact, 21 senior players - including loans - that arrived under the Dutchman's watch.

Jordan pointed out that the pedigree of the squad should be judged against the clubs they wish to compete against - Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City. He believes that only Bruno Fernandes at Man United would fight for a spot in all three's starting line-ups, but would be forced to cede his role as captain. He asked: "How are you going to eclipse these teams?"

Phelan answered: "I look at it and look at some of the names and numbers, £600m in two years, has he improved these roles? Who's he hanging his hat on? Is it Mainoo, is it Garnacho, is it Fernandes? What about the others? Where do you hang your hat?"

It's worth baring in mind that a number of the current United crop were recruited under the watch of Phelan when he served as assistant manager under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer. However, he evidently feels his former side are severely lacking in quality, with quantity the primary issue. This may act as a pointer for Amorim for begin his overhaul, once his arrival is confirmed.