Manchester United need three world-class players to prove they still are

What has been so disappointing about Manchester United's poor start to the new season is that so many players who shone last term have looked lost during this one. It was after a defeat to Brentford in the second match a year ago that Erik ten Hag's side finally took shape and laid the initial blueprints for the surge up the table that was to follow.

United's turning point came with their home win over Liverpool in the third game of the season. The tone was set when Casemiro was paraded on the pitch pre-match, Marcus Rashford scored what would be the winner, and Lisandro Martinez impressed in central defence.

Those three players would go on to be the backbone of United's side as they rose up the table, a trio of world-class players who shone more than most throughout the campaign.

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A year on, there has yet to be a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, and United's three most reliable players have all looked a shell of their former selves so far.

Marcus Rashford is still adjusting to the arrival of Rasmus Hojlund in attack and has been guilty of trying to do things alone a bit too much, as was the theme for much of last season.

His superb strike against Arsenal was evidence of the clear talent he has, but amid the turmoil in attack, he has often acted like a solo performer and not linked well enough with his teammates.

The 25-year-old should not be judged entirely on his goals and assists, though it is hard to ignore how blunt he has been so far this season as well as some questionable decision-making in the final third.

After showing he has a world-class ceiling last season, the real proof of