One of Manchester United's biggest issues last season could be exacerbated further following the exit of David de Gea this weekend.
This squad is lacking players with the experience of going all the way in a race for the Premier League. United's trip to Arsenal in January, when a victory could have perhaps given them a sniff of the title, proved it in spades.
It was clear to see they lacked a missing ingredient to be in the conversation as Arsenal's stronger mindset pushed them over the line in a tight match. The Liverpool drubbing at Anfield hammered home the point.
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While United have serial winners of leagues elsewhere, the departure of David de Gea means the Reds no longer have any squad members who can boast a Premier League title. While it does not prevent top flight success, it's a reminder of how long it's been since the Reds claimed the top prize.
Manchester City have title winners in abundance and Mikel Arteta's addition of Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko proved crucial as Arsenal's mentality shifted last season. Filling your squad with players with these accolades does not guarantee you success but it certainly can't hurt.
Pep Guardiola has now won five Premier League titles during his stint in Manchester and plenty were keen to right the Blues when they lost ground to Arsenal. But City put their foot on the gas after Christmas.
As Arsenal stumbled to a series of disappointing results, City steamrolled their way through opponents and would end up winning the title with ease. Jesus and Zinchenko could only do so much but it is almost guaranteed the Gunners will be stronger for having experienced a title race last season.
De Gea won the title once during his time at the Theatre of Dreams, as did Phil Jones who also left this summer. While no other player in the current United squad has experienced lifting the famous trophy, there are members of the team who have won league titles elsewhere. Casemiro and Raphael Varane have won La Liga with Real Madrid while Antony and Lisandro Martinez have won Eredivisie with Ajax.
United must draw on this experience next season and hope in time they have a side awash with Premier League title winners given the trajectory Erik ten Hag wants to take the club in the coming years. For now, De Gea's departure is the end a chapter.
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