According to a report by FootballTransfers on Friday, October 16, 2026, Manchester United are facing criticism over their summer transfer decisions, particularly their failure to sign Nicolas Jackson, who has made an encouraging start at Aston Villa.

United’s struggles under manager Michael Carrick have increased concerns among supporters. The club have collected just six points from their opening six Premier League matches and are searching for greater consistency.

Their poor form has also extended to other competitions, with the Red Devils failing to win any of their last five matches. Wednesday’s Champions League defeat to Atletico Madrid exposed further weaknesses, particularly in attack.

Defender Lisandro Martinez also attracted attention following the defeat after reportedly criticising the club’s leadership. The Argentine later apologised after the club took disciplinary action.

United’s recruitment strategy has since come under scrutiny, especially their decision to spend heavily on Benjamin Sesko without signing another established centre-forward.

The club reportedly paid €76.5 million for the Slovenian striker during the summer. However, fitness problems have limited his involvement, forcing Carrick to use Matheus Cunha in a central attacking role.

Cunha has struggled to provide the consistent goalscoring threat United need. His deflected equaliser against Fulham remains the only goal scored by a player starting as the team’s central striker this season.

In contrast, Nicolas Jackson has impressed since joining Aston Villa from Chelsea for approximately €55.5 million in August. The Senegal international has scored five goals in his first eight appearances for the club.

Two of those goals came during Villa’s 6-0 Champions League victory over Fenerbahce, highlighting his growing confidence under manager Unai Emery.

Jackson has also impressed with his movement, physical strength and ability to involve teammates in attacking moves. His qualities could have provided United with another option in the final third.

Reports suggest United previously considered Jackson before his loan move to Bayern Munich but failed to pursue him when Aston Villa moved to secure a permanent transfer.

Although there is no guarantee Jackson would have achieved the same results at Old Trafford, United’s continued struggles in front of goal have renewed debate about their decision.

With a Premier League meeting against Leeds United approaching, Carrick will hope his available attackers can improve their performances and ease the pressure on his team.