Manchester United were busy on transfer deadline day completing no less than four deals, bringing in the likes of Edinson Cavani and Alex Telles. One player who did not sign was England winger Jadon Sancho. It was obvious to some in mid-August that the starlet would not be leaving Dortmund unless the Red Devils met BVB’s valuation of €120million.
United expected Dortmund to cave and sell
In the past, Manchester United have used their reputation to manipulate other clubs into selling their star players. Players may have pushed for moves in the past because of the red Devils standing in the game. However, although the men from Manchester still have a certain pull, they are no longer the draw they once were.
For instance, reports suggested that Sancho would have been interested in talking to the Premier League outfit. However, he never pushed for the move or put in a transfer request. Whether that is more to do with the player or Manchester United’s standing is unclear. The fact that move didn’t happen suggests that the latter may have had something to do with it.
United may still be a big world brand, but on the pitch, they have fallen badly behind their two biggest domestic rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in recent years.
Media reports suggest that Manchester United showed false confidence in their chase of Sancho. They expected Dortmund to cave in and lower their asking price. However, as of mid-August BVB have stated that they will not sell for less than the valuation of the player. The German club stuck to their word too.
Failed to strengthen the backline vastly
There is no doubt about it Jadon Sancho is one of the brightest young players in the beautiful game, one of the best players in his position. He would be a fantastic signing for any of the world’s top clubs.
The 20-year-old is many things, but he is not a world-class centre-back, which is one of the problem situations at United. The Red Devils defensive display have been a shambles this season. In fact, only West Brom have conceded more goals this season in their four Premier League games so far.
The defence that leaked six goals against Tottenham at Old Trafford on Sunday cost close to £200million. Former Leicester star Harry Maguire will be the biggest focus of attention, as he cost a massive fee of £80million. The criticism that has come his way is largely deserved, as he is supposed to be the leader at the heart of the Red Devils defence.
Instead, he is making blunders like pushing Luke Shaw out of the way to allow Spurs to score. The mistake has summed up Maguire’s struggles in Manchester.
Manchester United need to just target top-four for now
The Red Devils may have brought in several players late in the window, but have they brought in the right players? They certainly do not look like players that will be capable of helping United to mount a challenge for the Premier League title this season.
Last season’s improvement in form under Solskjaer and third-place finish raised the hopes of the Old Trafford faithful. However, not bringing in the right players in the current window will more than likely prove costly to the Red Devils this season.
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Do you think that Manchester United have enjoyed a successful transfer window?
