Manchester United must learn from Chelsea and Liverpool's mistake in future transfer windows

Succession planning is one of the hardest skills in football. Those that can do it well, stand out from the rest.

Whether it's a manager, a star striker or your best physio, it's more imperative than ever to have plans in place if they leave. Manchester United have a chequered past in that regard.

In the transfer market, United have done well this summer to upgrade key areas. After allowing David de Gea to leave on a free transfer, they swooped for top target Andre Onana.

Mason Mount is viewed as a younger Christian Eriksen and will offer a better pressing option as an advanced number eight. Rasmus Hojlund could have done with a more senior striker to help his transition but United's needs were accelerated by Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden exit.

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Across the Premier League, some of the biggest clubs have fallen foul of a lack of succession plan. That is playing out very publicly in the transfer market, particularly at Chelsea and Liverpool.

Both clubs are struggling to sign a defensive midfielder this summer. N'Golo Kante left to join the Saudi Pro League project, whilst Liverpool couldn't refuse the money on offer that sent Fabinho to the same division.

In truth, both clubs should have had younger, ready-made replacements in line. Kante's qualities are undeniable but his fitness record over the last two years has been concerning.

Similarly, Fabinho's drop-off from being one of the Premier League's best number sixes was alarming. Given the number of