{
  "id": 6127319,
  "title": "Man Utd 'needed to strengthen at the back' in transfer window",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/man-utd-needed-to-strengthen-at-the-back-in-transfer-window",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-07T10:56:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/man-utd-needed-strengthen-back-105609463.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison has highlighted Manchester United's struggles at the back after the team failed to capitalize on their lead twice in a 2-2 draw with Everton. The stoppage-time equaliser by Ainsley Maitland-Niles marked the sixth goal conceded by Michael Carrick's side in their opening three league matches, marking the first time United have conceded two or more goals in each of their first three games since the 2018-2019 season. Morrison, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, emphasized that United's midfield and attack have been strengthened, but they need to address the problem in defense as well. He pointed out that there is a lack of cover for Luke Shaw, with only Lewis Nielsen as an established left-back and Noussair Mazraoui preferring to play right-back. Morrison also expressed the belief that Manchester United could have secured a quality centre-back during the transfer window. He noted that the partnership of Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire does not represent an improvement over last season and could significantly impact whether United finishes in the Champions League places or not. Morrison concluded that Manchester United are not title contenders for this season.",
  "summary": "Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison says Manchester United have \"problems at the back\" after twice letting a lead slip to draw 2-2 at Everton on Sunday. Ainsley Maitland-Niles' stoppage-time equaliser was the sixth goal Michael Carrick's side have conceded in the three games so far. This is the first campaign in five years where United have let in at least two goals in each of their…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Everton shrug off transfer‑window woes to snatch late 2-2 draw against Man United",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/07/everton-shrug-off-transfer-window-woes-to-snatch-late-2-2-draw",
        "published": "2026-09-07T02:35:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}