According to former Manchester United player Luke Chadwick, the Red Devils would have already got the signature of England international Eberechi Eze by now if Sir Alex Ferguson were still in charge at Old Trafford.
Man Utd's Current Struggles and Nicky Butt's Brutal Assessment
Nicky Butt, who enjoyed a highly successful 12-year spell at Old Trafford, winning eight Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a Champions League, has criticised the current state of his former club.
Under Ruben Amorim's helm, Manchester United sits 13th in the Premier League with a dismal eight wins from 24 matches-one of the worst displays in the post-Ferguson era. After an unbeaten four-game run, United lost 2-0 to Crystal Palace in a dire performance that further underlined their struggles.
Speaking to Stadium Astro, Butt provided a reality check on how far United have fallen off the pace.
"Manchester United are a million miles off from competing for the title, and that includes Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester City, even Chelsea-these sides are moving ahead, whereas United are lagging behind," he said.
"It will be at least three to five years before they can challenge for the Premier League title again. They might win a domestic cup with some luck, but title contention is out of the question in the near future."
Butt underlined that rebuilding United will require serious investment, patience, and meticulous planning.
"Liverpool, Arsenal, and Man City will continue to get stronger, Chelsea are getting strong. United need to know that it's not a given, they have to invest right, recruit top players, and rebuild gradually. Buying ten players this summer won't solve the problem overnight."
Eberechi Eze—The Type of Signing Ferguson Would Have Made
Butt singled out Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze during the discussion as the one player Sir Alex Ferguson would have gone after during United's golden era.
Eze, who made his England bow in 2023 against Malta, shone at Euro 2024 and has since been linked to clubs such as Manchester City and Tottenham. His performances at Selhurst Park make him one of the most exciting attacking talents currently in the league.
"Manchester United would have controlled transfer markets. A decade ago, they would make a £70-80m offer and land a player such as Eze," Butt told The Athletic. "Now it's not got that pulling power, and that's a big reality check on the club."
The Urgent Need for a Strategic Rebuild
Butt insists United need to go back to their old recruitment policy-buying only the best quality, proven talent who can make a difference for the team.
"United need four or five marquee signings, real leaders on the pitch, to bring stability and create a strong core. The young talents at the club need experienced players to guide them, but without the right investments, United will continue to struggle," he added.
The fans are starting to grow frustrated as the Red Devils fall behind from their customary rivals. Do you think Butt is right? Should Manchester United have moved for Eberechi Eze? Let us know your thoughts by heading to the comment section beneath this article.
