Man United latest news: "Big area of weakness" identified in Solskjaer's starting XI | OneFootball

Central midfield is a big area of weakness for Manchester United, according to journalist Luke Hatfield.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's engine room.

Both Fred and McTominay have featured in the majority of United's games so far this season, however it hasn't been a strong start to the campaign for the Old Trafford side.

Although United are just two points off top spot, they've failed to win both of their last two home games - losing 1-0 to Aston Villa before drawing 1-1 with Everton.

McTominay and Fred were involved in both fixtures, and they are now being identified as a potential weak link in Solskjaer's starting XI.

Neither brought much to the table in either outing. Against Aston Villa, they registered four tackles and one key pass combined, while only two tackles and two key passes were made versus Everton.

What has Luke Hatfield said about Scott McTominay and Fred?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Hatfield noted central midfield as one of United's less convincing departments and also raised his concerns over both Fred and McTominay.

The Midlands journalist told GMS: "I think that's a big area of weakness for Manchester United. McTominay and Fred, I think they flatter to deceive a little bit."

Will Manchester United sell Scott McTominay or Fred?

As a Manchester United academy graduate, it seems unlikely the club would offload McTominay even if he fell significantly down the pecking order.

He understands the ethos of the club and that can be an incredibly valuable asset, even if United were to bring other midfielders in and the Scotland international became a bit-part player for cup competitions.

Fred, on the other hand, cost United a reported £52.5m and it's likely they would want to recoup at least some of that money back at some point in the future.

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The Brazilian is now 28 years of age and his contract will expire at the end of next season, so the coming summer seems like a pretty logical time to sell.

That being said, there are other factors to consider. United's squad currently lacks any obvious alternatives to Fred - or McTominay for that matter - so they would need to have a direct replacement lined up before letting him go.

At the same time, Paul Pogba's contract is due to expire at the end of the season. United won't want to lose two midfield options in the same transfer window.