Whether Manchester United miscalculated over Borussia Dortmund’s deadline to sign Jadon Sancho, or simply did not have the money, the club have moved in a new direction.
Deals were struck to sign youngsters Facundo Pellistri and Amad Traore Diallo.
While these fees could rise with add ons, United are paying just £9 million for Pellistri, and £19 million for Traore up front.
Both players are wingers, giving United hope for the future in a position where the club are short on options.
Mix in loaned out Tahith Chong and promising academy talent Anthony Elanga, and United now have a few options to be excited about for the future.
Unearthing the next Sancho
Sure, the club could have paid heavily to sign Sancho, and probably should have done.
But it is worth remembering too that the club’s three most expensive signings, Paul Pogba, Harry Maguire, and Romelu Lukaku, have failed to turn United into title challengers.
United are then gambling on finding the next Jadon Sancho, buying younger players for smaller fees, hoping they can develop into superstars.
There are many unknown factors with this. Talent, temperament, ability to adapt, and lifestyle off the field all contribute to helping them become successful, or not.
United had great success with Cristiano Ronaldo back in 2003, signing him for £12 million.
Rather than buy Sancho at the peak of his value, United are attempting to sign young talent at cheap prices before their talent inflates.
The club did this last summer with Dan James. The Welshman has not yet been a success, but the strategy was a sound one, to sign a young talent before he becomes a top star.
It just requires patience, and if the player concerned is not the right one, you simply move on, at little cost.
This is where the club’s scouts really earn their money. A lot is riding on Traore and Pellistri’s future success.
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