This summer proved to be an underwhelming one for David Moyes and the Black Cats.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Danny Murphy has said he fears for Sunderland following their summer transfer business.
It has been a summer of upheaval for the Black Cats after Sam Allardyce left to take the England job.
They quickly replaced him with David Moyes, but the Scot faced frustration right up until deadline day as he struggled to get the signings his side needs.
He particularly failed in his attempt to sign another striker and provide sufficient back-up to star man Jermain Defoe.
And Murphy says he fears for them if the veteran forward picks up an injury at any point.
“I fear a bit for Sunderland,” he told BBC Sport. “I know he’s tried to strengthen but they’re so reliant on Jermain Defoe. If he was to miss some games they’re going to struggle for goals.”
While Murphy is worried by Sunderland’s lack of options up front, it is surely the goalkeeping situation that is of bigger concern.
Jordan Pickford is highly rated at the club and was solid against Southampton, but his late mistake in that game may have shown he is not yet ready for first-team football.
The loss of Vito Mannone was a big blow and the failure to find a new goalkeeper on deadline day may come back to haunt them more than the failure to strengthen up front.
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