Manchester United are making decisions that suggest someone else is still in charge

There was barely a flicker of emotion from the Manchester United dignitaries at the final shrill on Sunday. They had done well not to nod off in the Villa Park directors' box.

The innumerable post-match media obligations meant Erik ten Hag had not crossed paths with Sirs Jim Ratcliffe and Dave Brailsford, Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox. Perhaps just as well.

Ten Hag told Match of the Day United are "in a good direction". He said it twice. The Ineos Compass may have to update its 'words they don't like' and add 'jargon'. Ten Hag said United were "in the right direction" at the conclusion of last season, United's worst in the league in 34 years and worst Champions League campaign in 18 years.

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United's direction is backwards. They dropped to 14th in the Premier League table at the weekend. Their goal difference is -3, they have failed to score in four of their past five league fixtures and only Southampton have scored fewer goals. Bryan Mbeumo has tallied more league goals than United.

Mbeumo would have been an excellent signing. Amid all the focus on Ivan Toney, the smart move would have been offering Brentford a fee for the younger and more versatile Mbeumo.

Instead, United presided over a more Dutch-centric summer than the previous summers under Ten Hag. The perception of their squad has considerably worsened since the transfer window closed.

Whoever replaces Ten Hag and whenever he is replaced, the next incumbent will need a new starting striker, a goalscoring winger, a dynamic midfielder, a centre back suited to the Premier League and a fit and