Rene Meulensteen

Meulensteen has also tipped Leif Davis as a possible long-term option for United at left-back while explaining how Sir Alex Ferguson avoided runs of bad form during his time in the dugout.

The former Australia assistant has also warned Liverpool how their ongoing contract saga with Mohamed Salah could cost them the title and opened up on Ronaldinho’s failed transfer to Old Trafford.

Q: Was losing 2-0 to Arsenal a wake-up call for Manchester United?

RM: “If the Arsenal game showed us one thing it’s that Ruben Amorim is still finding his feet. He made quite a few changes, but it is clear in terms of the system he wants all his players to play in.

“I think he’s using every game to find out more about his players and which ones suit his system the best.

“There were moments against Everton in which United scored against the run of play, so that showed they have individuals who can score even when they are not the better side.

“Arsenal are a completely different calibre, however, a team that knows how to win games under Mikel Arteta and are fluent in their play as well as being so clinical with set-pieces which they have put effort into and is now paying them back.

“Although it’s not a wake-up call, we saw that Manchester United are a long way from the level of Arsenal. Overall, Amorim knows how he wants his team to play, but there was little threat to Arsenal.”

Q: Is Leny Yoro a guaranteed starter if he is fully fit?

RM: “We haven’t seen enough to say that Leny Yoro should be a guaranteed starter for Manchester United, it can take a lot of time to settle in the Premier League.

“It can be easy, but some need more time and it depends on how you are integrated into a team and how well that team is playing. It can be harder when a team is finding their feet under a new manager like United.

“He is young, he has lots of potential, but it’s too early to say if he will be a regular part of the back three going forward. We shouldn’t expect too much of him yet.”

Q: Can Amad Diallo be a long-term star for Ruben Amorim?

RM: “Amad Diallo could be a long-term star for Ruben Amorim. I’ve been really impressed with him so far and I’m sure he’s impressed the manager in the wing-back position.

“He is quick, direct and brave. He can score, create and he can definitely have an impact in the long-term.

“I can see comparisons to Ryan Giggs in Diallo. The way he picks up the ball and runs with it, I can see it in their balance. 

“He’s also impressed in the way he has adapted to the wing-back role, but we’ll have to see how he gets on in the defensive side against opposition with more attacking prowess.

“Antony plays in a similar position but I can’t see him doing that job, he wouldn’t have the discipline. Amad on the other hand, he’s taken it in his stride.”

Q: Would selling Diogo Dalot to Real Madrid be a mistake?

RM: “Diogo Dalot has done very well in the last few years because he's so versatile. He's played right back, left back, he even played in midfield. He's never injured and he’s obviously at a very good age at the moment. 

“Should Manchester United sell him for £50million? It all depends on who could replace him. They should look at the numbers and consider if they can reinvest that cash in other areas of the pitch.

“He’s not the most eye-catching player but he does his job. He would be a big loss for United if he did leave, he’s an important player.”

Q: Should Man Utd sign Viktor Gyokeres or develop Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee?

RM: “Manchester United should focus on developing Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee rather than signing Viktor Gyokeres.

“Gyokeres was brilliant for Ruben Amorim at Sporting but there’s no guarantee that he can repeat that at Old Trafford. I also think that Hojlund has similar traits to Gyokeres. He is physically strong, he likes getting in behind, he just needs that consistency.

“Amorim has played Marcus Rashford up front too so they already have options. Zirkzee plays as a nine and a half which suits him. United shouldn’t get Gyokeres unless Amorim is completely convinced over him and then it would be his responsibility."

Q: Where should Man Utd invest if it isn’t in Viktor Gyokeres?

RM: “Instead of signing Viktor Gyokeres, Manchester United should invest in their midfield. I think eventually we will see Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo in there, we have to be really honest about Casemiro and Christian Eriksen.

“They are coming to the end of their careers and although they can still make contributions, they won’t be starting every week, so there needs to be more options in terms of energy.

“Bruno Fernandes can play in there, but it’s an area I’d be looking at if the club has the budget to spend.”

Q: Could Ipswich star Leif Davis be a long-term replacement for Luke Shaw?

RM: “Luke Shaw’s injury and there being some uncertainty over Tyrell Malacia, makes you think about the left-back department at Manchester United as an area that might need strengthening.

“One player that has impressed in the Premier League for Ipswich is Leif Davis and there can be a lot of value in signing players that already know English football but aren’t like signing a big name from Europe.

“He shouldn’t be too expensive, but of course when United get involved the price goes way up, but the best example to follow is Andy Robertson to Liverpool from Hull.

“Another example is Lewis Hall at Newcastle, players with Premier League experience and bags of potential who could be a really good fit.

“Davis in particular is standing out in a promoted team which is a really good sign, that shows the character that he has in his DNA.”

Q: What did you think of Pep Guardiola’s recent antics?

RM: “Pep Guardiola usually comes across as very measured and calm in his press conferences, but he doesn’t know anything but winning and he suddenly entered an area that was unknown to him.

“Not only losing games but failing to win seven in a row, there were things out of his control like injuries and fitness, but things can get a bit stale and you need to press the reset button to find that excitement that made it a success in the first place.

“There's so many players in that team that have worked for so long with Pep and the staff, it was a bit of a wake-up call I think.

“In terms of the title race, they are out of that run by beating Nottingham Forest and I don’t think Liverpool are going to have the clear run at the title that some people might be expecting. You could see more of the old City against Forest.”

Q: Did you ever see Sir Alex get as stressed as Pep Guardiola got?

RM: “In my time at Manchester United, Sir Alex never once got as stressed out as Pep Guardiola did in the last few weeks.

“Sir Alex always had one golden rule, never lose two games in a row. He reinforced that to the players and they’d know that they had to make sure we drew if we had lost one game and were struggling in another.

“That was the rule and that became an undercurrent with the players. They knew that, it was almost an automatic response from everybody, from all the players.

“If we couldn’t win, we made sure we didn’t lose. One of his very best qualities as a man is not getting carried away with the highs when we kept winning, or carried away with things when we lost.

“He was always so focused on never losing two in a row.” 

Q: Did Pep Guardiola need to give his players the hairdryer treatment?

RM: “Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City don’t need a hairdryer treatment from the manager, just a wake-up call to not take everything for granted.

“They have won so many Premier League titles and other trophies but missing Rodri and Ruben Dias did have an impact on them. Having them back will re-energise City, but if they want to relive their success they have to step it up again.”

Q: What was the biggest hairdryer treatment you saw from Sir Alex to a player?

RM: “I remember when we played West Ham at Old Trafford towards the end of the 2007/08 season, before an away game against Wigan to win the title.

“Nani got a red card in the first-half and I still remember Sir Alex’s reaction. He made it very clear that the red card could’ve had significant consequences because we needed to win our last two games to win the title.

“He basically made it clear that he wasn't happy about it, but he also used that energy to make sure that the players were ready to do the job with 10 men in the second half and we won 4-1.

“Sir Alex was always very, very short and sharp when we came into the dressing room. A lot of managers give people the time to sit down and relax. The moment the players sat down, bang, the manager addressed them for no longer than two to three minutes. 

“Mike Phelan would go over defensive aspects of the game and I would always talk more with players about build-up and final third stuff. 

“He was very, very to the point whether that needed to be done by a little bit of power or force or when it was just nice and quiet. But people always understood the point.”

Q: Can Man Utd have the most confidence before playing Man City in a decade?

RM: “Manchester United would’ve been the most confident of beating Manchester City in a long time during their recent winless run, but not anymore.

“But it is the first time they will play each other in the new system, which would be very interesting.”

Q: Which Manchester United players would get into the current Man City team?

RM: “In a combined XI, although Manchester City have had a blip that doesn’t make them bad players. Erling Haaland will still be scoring goals, he scores plenty if you put him up front for United and improve them.

“You then look at Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden, Rodri, a fit Kevin De Bruyne. I think Bruno Fernandes would be the one that stands out as getting into a combined team.

“A second United player would be Amad Diallo, I imagine that Pep Guardiola would’ve been very impressed by what he’s seen. He has an edge about him and can play in different positions.

“In defence, City have got the best defenders and we haven’t seen enough of Leny Yoro yet even though he could become a top top player.

“In a combined XI I'd have those two United players, Fernandes and Diallo.”

Q: Which players should Man Utd sign if Man City are relegated?

RM: “It’s hypothetical, but can you imagine Manchester United could grab Erling Haaland, he’d add 25 or 30 goals straight away.

“Then you look at Rodri, he’d bring so much stability to the midfield, then Phil Foden, look at how incredible he was last season.

“When it comes to missing out on players, look at Cole Palmer, why did he end up at Chelsea when he is a Manchester United fan? Why did United not pick him up.”

Q: Are Chelsea and Arsenal now genuine title challengers?

RM: “Thanks to Chelsea and Arsenal, this could be the most exciting Premier League run in for years where it's not only two teams fighting it out, but four.

“I think this could be the first time for many, many years that there's still four teams in a race - I don't think that Liverpool are going to get a clear run all the way to the end. 

“They've undoubtedly started the best of everyone. But I also do think they lack a little bit of strength in depth. If they lose players through suspensions or injuries that will have an impact.

“In the Premier League there’s no games in which you are guaranteed to win, you can play against teams in the bottom four and lose. I do think Liverpool will drop more points.

“I’ve been very impressed with Chelsea and the way Enzo Maresca has done what he did at Leicester, at Chelsea. Chelsea were all over the place with a million players but he has made very quick decisions and there’s a balance and energy in the team now that plays dynamic football.

“He doesn't get carried away by being lured into the title contenders talks, we’re not even at the turn of the year, but they are in a good position.”

Q: Sir Alex Ferguson would tell his players to stay in touch in the title race?

RM: “Sir Alex Ferguson always used to tell the players that if we were within five or six points off the top by January then we were in a good position. 

“So that would mean Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City have had their blips but they just need to make sure the gap doesn’t get any bigger for now.

“When it comes to March I think that there will be three or four points in the title race – it’s going to be fantastic.”

Q: Which competition should Man Utd focus on this season?

RM: “For a club like Manchester United, they can’t be picking competitions to focus on. They are one of the biggest clubs in the world and need to be competing for the biggest trophies on show.

“They are still in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup which are tough games, but are only seven points behind the top four in the Premier League.

“Ideally United get into the top four, but winning a trophy is a statement and it galvanizes things. You’ve got something to show for it, it builds confidence.

“If I was Amorim I would definitely push to win a trophy, but for the club it's equally as important to get in the top four and the Champions League.”

Q: What would you do in Liverpool’s situation with Mohamed Salah’s contract?

Mo Salah

RM: “Mohamed Salah is unique, you can look at his age but also his current contribution, his injury record, how much he wants to play.

“He is so important to Liverpool and they will drop without him. You can look at what he has achieved but it’s about what he is currently achieving and what we can expect in the near future. 

“What is his current contribution? Brilliant. If you took him out of the team it would be a huge set-back. He scores, he assists and I think the club needs to find some common ground.

“Liverpool would be silly not to get that sorted and it needs to be sooner rather than later. It would take all the speculation and uncertainty away in a moment in which they are winning and sitting top of the table.

“If things turn sour it can push things over the edge the wrong way, it’s the same with Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

“What I will say about Salah is that his future could be the reason they don’t win the title. If a genuine offer comes in, maybe a huge bid from Saudi Arabia, during January and Liverpool decide they don’t want to lose him for free – him walking out the door could cost them the title.”

Q: What do you make of Messi and Ronaldo beating Salah to a FIFPRO nomination?

RM: “Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo beating Mohamed Salah to a nomination is ridiculous. Messi and Ronaldo have had unbelievable careers but are playing in leagues that don’t have the same standard.

“Look at what Salah has been doing and isn’t even nominated? It’s an absolute disgrace. You have to question how those nominations are made.”

Q: Could Paul Pogba benefit Manchester United as a free agent?

Paul Pogba

RM: “Manchester United should steer clear of Paul Pogba, he is 31 now and I’m never a fan of going back to players from the past. 

“He needs a chance to go and play but there is a lot of risk for the club. I read that he would be training with United and that’s fine if Ruben Amorim is happy for him to do that.

“Jonny Evans started training and proved his fitness and has done enough to earn a contract, he’s done brilliantly, but Amorim needs to focus on the long-term future now.

“I can understand that Paul wants to desperately get back into it because of the time he has missed, but I wouldn’t be keen to pursue that.”

Q: Who would be the perfect Mohamed Salah replacement? Leroy Sane?

RM: “I think Leroy Sane is a good suggestion to replace Mohamed Salah, but the hardest thing is replacing big names like that.

“I remember when Roy Keane left Manchester United, it was said that we needed to get another Roy Keane and you can’t – there is only one Roy Keane.

“It’s the same with Salah, he is unique and there may be players a bit like him, like Jarrod Bowen at West Ham, but it won’t be the same level.

“I think Liverpool should go for someone completely different to stop the comparison.“

Q: Which Manchester United transfer was the biggest missed opportunity?

RM: “One of the biggest transfers in the Sir Alex Ferguson era that didn’t get over the line was Paul Gascoigne which was before my time, but I do remember that we held talks with Ronaldinho, who was absolutely on fire at the time.

“I think everybody would have loved to see him, but it didn't materialise for whatever reason but yeah, that was probably one player that Sir Alex would have liked to see come to United.

“Would he have fit in? Players adapt to their environments. I think Ronaldinho had his love and passion for football, but he obviously had other interests as well. 

“I think that’s why his career wasn't as long lived as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, but that’s just my opinion. I think he would’ve been a good fit for us.

“If you go on YouTube and watch Ronaldinho highlights at his best at Barcelona, he was just unplayable. He was like a combination of Messi and Ronaldo rolled into one.”

Lionel Messi // Photo: YES Market Media/shutterstock

Q: Did Sir Alex Ferguson have any big transfer regrets?

RM: “Failed transfers didn’t have a massive impact on our success because we always made sure that we had good enough players that did end up coming through the door.

“I think the Ronaldinho talks were when we brought in Antonio Valencia from Wigan because we were looking for a winger at the time. 

“When Paul Scholes was about to retire there were some chats about bringing Wesley Sneijder in. I knew very well from his time in Holland what sort of player he was and I think he would’ve done really well for us in linking the build-up play to the strikers.

“It never materialised but we definitely looked at him.”

Q: What would be the perfect January transfer window for Manchester United?

RM: “My perfect January transfer window for Manchester United would be making sure that Ruben Amorim has got a clear idea over whether he needs anything to bolster the squad.

“To make sure he is happy with the players he has when it comes to pursuing trophies and everything else that is at stake all the way until the end of the season. 

“The perfect transfer window is not going out and buying for the sake of buying, but if he is 100% convinced that Viktor Gyokeres is the answer then go and get him.

“On the other hand he has learned enough about his current squad with Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee and what his best XI is as well as four or five substitutions. He needs to be as clear as possible.”

Q: Was selling Scott McTominay a huge mistake for Man Utd?

RM: “Scott McTominay’s exit is a combination of the club that is selling, the club that is buying and the player himself. 

“He has Manchester United DNA, he is Manchester United through and through. I worked with him as a little kid and he embodied a player wanting to learn and grow and play for the club.

“He will always carry the badge in his heart and we know that the club is still everything for him. The strange thing was that Scott proved his worth for the club.

“He proved his worth by being able to play again in different positions and chipping in with important goals. He brought a physicality and United lost a strong squad member.”

Q: What is next for Wayne Rooney if he gets sacked by Plymouth?

RM: “If Wayne Rooney is let go by Plymouth then it’ll be down to results again and unfortunately that will be very difficult for Wayne.

“He had problems at Derby and since then his career hasn’t gone the way he would’ve hoped. It was brave for him to take the Plymouth job and I’m sure they will give him time that he needs but obviously the current results are not really backing that up

“If things do turn sour he needs to really closely reflect on the job and himself and what he has done so far, finally what he wants to do next.

“I think you there will always be teams and clubs that would have a punt on him, but we saw how difficult it was for Frank Lampard to get back in before Coventry hired him.

“Wayne could go abroad, but from my experience there are a lot of things out of your control. Everything is reflected in performances and the results and emotions that go with it. 

“We have to consider how much support Wayne has got to make sure that Plymouth team is capable of competing in the Championship and staying up and maybe competing for higher places.

“If they are to keep backing him, they need to do that in the transfer window in January and make sure they can get away from the relegation zone to stabilise things. That would be the ideal situation for him.”

Q: Are you open to the Cardiff City job in the Championship?

RM: “I’m always open to jobs but I have to be realistic because I haven’t managed a team for the last six years, having been on the international scene with Australia.

“Clubs will look at that when they do their due diligence and I understand that they will look at experience and how the appointment would be received by fans.

“So don't get me wrong, and I'm not really knocking myself down, but at the end of the day, I've had my own fair share of bad runs after Fulham, where I don't think I received the support that I should have.

“Obviously these things are not given, but like I said, I've always been very fortunate to do jobs that I love doing and with the people that I've done them with.

“It was obviously my unique time at Manchester United and recently the six years that I've had with the national team of Australia.

“If jobs come around I will always look at them and see if I’m interested, if you get an offer you have to consider why they are interested in you. 

“There is a tendency that clubs go for younger managers nowadays, although I’ve got plenty of years left in me, but different views on football. Despite me being able to utilise my experience and expertise.”