Following their 2-2 home draw with Aston Villa, Brian Kerr has criticised the management of Manchester United for wasting an opportunity to capitalise on the weakness of their rivals for the top four positions.
Speaking after his commentary on the match for Off The Ball, Kerr took aim not so much at Solskjaer as Ed Woodward and the owners of Manchester United for creating a squad that is lacking in quality.
"Spurs and Arsenal have been having a terrible time. Manchester United should be up ahead of those teams, given how poorly they are doing and how much Manchester United have spent on players.
"They have frittered so much money on players and frittered on contracts. The likes of Ibrahimovic; he did a bit, but did he do enough?
"Sanchez was a disaster and there have been a good few more where money has been wasted on recruitment.
"It is a delicate business, and they don't always get it right - but they have got an awful lot wrong."
Kerr also focused on the balance of the squad, which he believes too far in favour of future potential and not enough about succeeding in the present.
"There isn't great leadership. [Daniel] James is finding his way in the game, and needs a break from the team now but will not get it because he is a key player," said Kerr.
"Rashford is the best goalscorer and in the groove at the moment. Martial lacks something - aggressiveness and physicality.
"He needs to use himself, all his traits, every ounce of what you have to challenge defenders. I don't get that from him. I get excellence, now and again, on the ball; a little bit of intent but not enough.
"Are they making progress? I'd say a small bit. But until they have better players, they won't."
While allowing for the youth of players, Kerr believes that the squad is not yet capable to compete in any serious sense.
"Brandon Williams is not good enough to be playing in Manchester United's first team.
"I look at the bench today and think of who is going to come on: Mata is fine but his best days are behind him. You look at the bench today and you go 'Oh my god.'
"Lingard came on and added a bit of life and zest. Ashley Young is a defender, Luke Shaw is coming back from injury and not in great shape, Mason Greenwood has potential, definitely.
"Garner is a midfield player for the Europa League and cup matches at the moment. Tuanzebe has potential, but not for Manchester United to win and do something significant at the moment.
"There is too much about 'potential' at the moment, and not enough about quality and the now."
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