Rashford, Garnacho, Casemiro - Manchester United have nine unsellable players in summer transfer window

Regardless of Manchester United's drop-off in recent weeks, this season has been one of great promise. A first trophy since 2017 — with two more within reach — and a top-four finish still very much in their hands are testament to the work Erik ten Hag and his players have carried out over the last year.

And yet, United's run of four wins in their last 10 Premier League games, starting with the 1-1 draw away to Crystal Palace in January when Michael Olise's late free-kick felt like a genuine title blow, has brought into focus the shortcomings of this squad.

United have an excellent first-choice XI. Fitness-permitting, nine of the players in it pick themselves, with debates to be had at right-back and on the right-wing only. For the avoidance of doubt, those guaranteed starters are: David de Gea, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.

READ MORE: De Gea showed why United fans are divided about his future in ten seconds

Therein, though, lies the problem. When injuries or suspensions strike, most of United's deputies just don't cut the mustard.

Martial's chronic unavailability due to injuries is infuriating but he is objectively a better footballer than Wout Weghorst; Tyrell Malacia is leagues below Luke Shaw at left-back; Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are significant downgrades on Varane and Martinez; nobody holds a candle to Casemiro at the base of midfield; and United do not have a ball-playing midfielder aside from the crocked Eriksen.

Martial has not completed 90 minutes in the Premier League in 27 months, Eriksen has been injured since January, and by the time Casemiro's current ban ends, he will have missed seven of