Manchester United’s summer transfer window is now over and the club appear to be in a far better position than when last season ended.
Last season finished with the club releasing players who needed to go, letting Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Lee Grant, Edinson Cavani and Nemanja Matic all move on. There was no compelling case to keep any of them, and United were right to wave goodbye.
The departures did leave gaps in the squad, and with the window over, it feels like they have been filled, with the exception of Cavani’s exit.
United ended the window with six incomings; Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen, Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Antony, and Martin Dubravka.
READ MORE: Confirmed Manchester United transfers, ins, outs, loans, releases for 2022/23
De Jong pursuit nearly derailed the summer
Manchester United’s transfer window ended up being a case of good results over questionable process. When you look at the player who have been signed, it is a very strong group of players. The club can be satisfied with the quality of the additions. The process to get there, was a bumpy, unhappy ride.
United failed to get any player signed before the club returned for pre-season in late June, and only one player out of the six additions, was signed in time to go on the pre-season tour.
This was bad process, showing disorganisation and a reluctance to spend, which ended up being more costly in the long run. Antony would have cost far less than the £81 million United paid, had the club focused on this move early in the summer.
United’s summer began with a failed pursuit of Jurrien Timber, before he chose to stay at Ajax, and United switched to pursue Lisandro Martinez instead. This ended up being a blessing in disguise.
But the one move which really derailed United’s summer was the attempt to sign Frenkie de Jong.
United did everything possible to seal the deal, with Richard Arnold and John Murtough flying to Barcelona to hold talks. It was reported that United agreed a fee with Barcelona in early July, but the Dutchman refused to sign.
The problem United made was clinging onto this dream for too long. It took until an opening day loss to Brighton a month later, for the recruitment team to shift into action.
When they did, a pursuit of Adrien Rabiot and Marko Arnautovic showed a club in disarray. We will always be thankful that Rabiot’s high wage demands led to United abandoning a deal.
Around this time, more funds were clearly freed up by the club, amid pressure from fans, and Ten Hag behind the scenes. United ended up pulling off a remarkable deal for Casemiro, one of the world’s best defensive midfielders. It was a fantastic result – but the route to get there was highly questionable.
In the background was the drama with Cristiano Ronaldo. United did not see this coming, and it certainly appeared like there was no plan to replace him, in the event he did leave.
Grading Manchester United’s signings
Manchester United’s signings do look excellent. It’s hard to pick holes in the additions and it appears the club have chosen well.
Tyrell Malacia: A: Manchester United decided to sign a long-term successor for Luke Shaw, and after one month, he has displaced the England star already. Malacia is tenacious, unafraid, and looks to be an asset going forward and defensively. He cost just £13 million, a real bargain.
Christian Eriksen: B+: You can’t argue with signing Christian Eriksen on a free transfer. The moves gives United depth in midfield, and to back up Bruno Fernandes. United are yet to see the best of him.
Lisandro Martinez: A: Martinez has already won United’s player of the month award and has back to back man of the match displays under his belt. The centre-back is a culture changer, adding much needed aggression to United’s defence.
Casemiro: A-: Signing a world class defensive midfielder has given the whole club a lift. This was the one position United desperately needed to upgrade, and after a bizarre route to get there, an impressive deal was struck. The Casemiro move is graded as A- rather than A for two reasons, one that his style of play is very different to Frenkie de Jong’s, United’s first choice. Erik ten Hag will have had to re-adjust. Secondly his age, 30, suggests that he may need replacing in 2-3 years time. For now, Casemiro is an excellent upgrade.
Antony: A: Erik ten Hag did get his first choice attacking player, eventually. We should all be happy about that, regardless of the price paid. The manager knows how to get the best out of Antony, and he is a genuinely exciting player who we can’t wait to see in action.
Martin Dubravka: C: Goalkeeper is still a position United need to fix long-term. Martin Dubravka on loan is a decent if uninspiring addition. From a positive perspective he is Premier League proven, and adds depth, but its unclear if he can actually challenge David de Gea, and United will be forced to re-enter the market next summer.
Outgoings can’t be considered a success
Releasing the group of players at the start of the window was a positive start. But when it came to player sales, this was a disappointing window.
Prior to transfer deadline day, Manchester United had made one sale all summer long, cashing in on Andreas Pereira for £8.5 million. This itself was good business, but the lack of sales to follow was sadly too familiar.
Injuries meant United could not find a buyer for Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams, or Phil Jones (again).
Alex Telles and Eric Bailly were sent out on loan, instead of being sold. United should have been able to get fees for both.
The sale of James Garner was unpopular, and for just £15 million. He was a prospect many United fans would have liked to see given a proper chance.
7.5/10 transfer window
There have clearly been good elements to this transfer window. The six players brought in appear to be very good additions and the squad is stronger, more aggressive, and skilful; players new manager Erik ten Hag wants to build around.
United lose marks for poor planning, which impacted the start of the season, and a failure to sell many unwanted players.
The club also lose marks for failing to sign a striker. This was identified back in January as a problem position, especially with Edinson Cavani leaving. Anthony Martial’s fitness record shows he is not a player who can be relied upon, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s suitability and desire to stay at the club have rightly been questioned.
Six players is nowhere near the 10 Ralf Rangnick said was required, but this is a positive step. Goalkeeper (permanent), right-back, and a second midfielder would have completed United’s needs, along with a striker.
We would give this transfer window a solid 7.5/10. Now it is up to Ten Hag’s players to deliver, and for United to follow it up with further investment in January and next summer.
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