Paul Ince has hit out at Manchester United's transfer business following the club's 2-0 defeat to West Ham United on Sunday.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men came in for widespread criticism for a performance against the Irons which lacked potency or control.
The result means that United have won five of their last 16 games in all competitions, with many writing off the current Red Devils squad as potentially not even good enough to make the top six.
Writing in his latest column for Paddy Power, Ince said: "I'm more concerned about the Director of Football situation, and the way Ed Woodward is building the club. It's not about me, Rio, or Gary Neville, pundits who sit on the couch analysing football on TV. That's not about knowing the game.
"What United need is someone who knows where to find Manchester United players, where the hidden gems are, and knows how to get them.
"Because, currently, United are being held to ransom. Harry Maguire is a terrific player, but £80m? They're being forced to pay over the odds to get top players."
United completed three major deals over the summer, signing Daniel James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Maguire for a combined total of £148m.
However, the club has received criticism for moving on and failing to replace senior players such as Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez over the transfer window.
Leo Nieboer
