The transfer window is open and Manchester United are going to have numerous big decisions to make.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already said he wants new additions. He told The Times: “We need to do better and work harder, be cleverer, but two or three players [are needed] to strengthen the starting XI and the squad altogether.”
This week could be a big one. Of course we say that out of hope, rather than faith. But there is some logic to the prospect of United beginning June in style, even if we fear this positivity will whimper away by the end of the week…
Get business done before the Euros
The European Championships begin on June 11 and after that, players at the tournament become a lot tougher to sign. Deals will have to wait until after the tournament, and even then the players could head on holiday.
So rather than hang on until mid-July, with just half of the transfer window remaining, United could remove some uncertainty by getting deals done beforehand.
If United are planning to get one important deal done before the Euros, then this week will be when business ramps up.
A move for Jadon Sancho for instance, would be crucial as it would define the remainder of the club’s transfer budget pre-sales, for the rest of the summer.
An early deal is also what Sancho reportedly wants. Sport BILD claimed last week Sancho wants to know which club he will play for next season before the European Championships start.
Simply showing some ambition
Wouldn’t it be nice if United set aside external factors like the Euros and simply struck an early deal because it is the smart, ambitious thing to do?
Liverpool have already clinched one transfer, signing Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig.
It would be great to see United act promptly too, showing ambition, and demonstrating to supporters that the club is serious about competing for trophies next season.
Solskjaer has made clear his demand for new signings, and it would be good if the club did not drag their heels like last year and leave it all until deadline day, pursuing the best prices instead of the best players.
With a new director of football John Murtough, there should be some intent for United to demonstrate this is an improved operation. Ambition to better the team, and to better last summer’s lethargic window should prompt the club to strike an early deal and show some decisive intent.
Glazer fan forum
On June 4 Joel Glazer will dial in for a fan forum, the first in 16 years of ownership.
Previously the Glazers have been all talk and no action. Joel Glazer has written of his intent to put money into the team and the club’s infrastructure, but there has been nothing since.
Making a significant early transfer move would be a PR-win for them ahead of the forum, and while most fans would be able to see through it, an early move would make sense from Glazer’s perspective.
United would have to move quickly to get a big deal tied up this week, and rarely do the club act with speed in the transfer market. It’s possible this fan forum will prompt a change of habit.
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