According to a report by Manchesterevening News Thursday November 5, 2026, Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has criticised the club's summer transfer business, identifying two defenders who joined Premier League rivals and believes would have significantly strengthened Michael Carrick's struggling squad.

United's lack of squad depth has become increasingly noticeable this season, with injuries creating serious selection problems and leaving Carrick struggling to maintain consistency across different competitions.

Carlos Baleba recently joined the growing injury list after suffering a significant knock against Roma, but the club's defensive situation remains particularly concerning as available options continue decreasing.

Carrick has struggled to assemble a natural back four, with players being deployed outside their preferred positions because of limited alternatives and several important absentees.

Schmeichel believes Liverpool defender Jeremy Jacquet and Tottenham's Jan Paul van Hecke were two outstanding opportunities United should have pursued during the summer transfer window.

The former goalkeeper considers centre-back recruitment particularly important because Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are approaching the final stages of their contracts, while Matthijs de Ligt's availability remains uncertain.

Jacquet has impressed since joining Liverpool, while Van Hecke is gradually establishing himself at Tottenham after leaving Brighton, making their transfers particularly frustrating for United.

Schmeichel believes the club should have secured at least one of those defenders and has urged the hierarchy to strengthen the backline when January arrives.

Speaking about potential recruitment, he said: "I'd like to see some defenders coming in in January. That would be a godsend."

He continued: "There was a lot of defenders in the summer I thought would be well suited for Manchester United. We see one gone to Liverpool, Jacquet. I mean, he would have been fantastic for this football club."

Discussing Van Hecke, Schmeichel added: "I thought that Van Hecke, who left Brighton to go to Tottenham, should have been someone that we should have looked at."

Another defender attracting attention is Luka Vuskovic, who joined Brighton from Tottenham and has also impressed despite his young age.

United's failure to strengthen defensively has left them regretting missed opportunities, particularly after their disappointing recruitment was followed by a difficult start to the season.

With their current defensive problems, Jacquet and Van Hecke would both have presented valuable options for Carrick's starting lineup.