Manchester United: What to do to challenge for the title next season

After their embarrassing defeat against West Brom on Sunday, Man United are at a crossroads. They can continue to be satisfied being the second-best team in the Premier League, or they can make the changes necessary for a true title challenge.

Sunday was a disastrous day for Manchester United. They looked insipid and devoid of both drive and creativity. As a result, bottom-of-the-table West Brom handed them only their second home defeat of the season. It was the Baggies second win in their last 30 league games. To make matters worse for United, their loss sealed the title for their cross-town rivals, Manchester City.

The Citizens have been imperious this season, sweeping aside all before them. They have only dropped points in five games, losing just two. The title’s destination has been all but assured since December.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have led the distant chasing pack, infuriating in their inconsistency, forced to watch as their rivals march to the title. They may have prevented City from winning the title in the Manchester derby, but that is scant consolation for a season that started out with such promise.

It is not just in the league where United have struggled. Man United contrived to play within themselves and embarrassingly crash out of the Champions League at home to Sevilla. They were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Bristol City in the quarter-finals. The FA Cup is all they have to contend for. That run could be ended by Spurs this weekend.

Changes are needed at the club if they are to launch their first title challenge since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. Here are some of the things that need to be done.