Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has criticised his old club’s summer transfer decisions, insisting that the Red Devils should have prioritised signing a central midfielder before bringing in attacking players like Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Hargreaves said Manchester United’s failure to strengthen their midfield was a major tactical oversight, arguing that the team’s balance has suffered as a result.

“Bruno is their best player by a country mile, then they go and sign two No.10s to play in his position,” Hargreaves said. “And he has to play as a defensive midfield player almost. I appreciate that they wanted more goals, but a proper midfielder would have fixed a lot.”

United were reportedly interested in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba but failed to complete a deal before the window closed. Instead, they brought in Cunha, Mbeumo, Benjamin Šeško, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Hargreaves believes this transfer approach forced Bruno Fernandes — arguably United’s most creative player — into a deeper role, limiting his attacking influence.

“You already have one of the best No.10s in the league,” he continued. “Why push him deeper just to make room for new forwards? If they had signed a strong central midfielder first, Bruno could’ve focused on creating and scoring.”

The former England international concluded that United’s recruitment lacked clear direction, suggesting that the club’s decision-makers prioritized star signings over solving the team’s structural weaknesses.