After signing four players in this transfer window so far, Manchester United’s rest of the time in the market will be focused on wheeling and dealing.
In the Profit and Sustainability Rules era, making opportunistic deals is the name of the game, and Manchester United have done so in this window, landing one of the biggest bargains in the Premier League in Noussair Mazraoui.
Add Matthijs de Ligt’s deal and how it’s aging in context to Newcastle’s mad chase for Marc Guehi, and there’s not much to complain about United’s transfer business.
- READ MORE: Manchester United confirmed signings, transfers in, out, loan exits, releases for 2024/25
Until now…
A missed opportunity
Two centre-backs, a striker, and a positionally versatile fullback, expectedly followed by a defensive midfielder.
That is the presumed shopping list for Manchester United squad additions right now but it’s ironic that despite signing four players, United started their Premier League campaign with a player playing out of position.
It was a continuation of last season for the left-back position as Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain absent due to injuries.
Diogo Dalot did an admirable job while Mazraoui is also comfortable playing there but to not have any natural left-backs available in a system that demands so much from its fullbacks is questionable.
Just like De Ligt and Mazraoui, United had a £30 million golden opportunity fall right into their laps that they seem to have fallen short of pouncing upon.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Fenerbahce player Ferdi Kadioglu has reached personal agreement on terms with Brighton and it’s just a matter of waiting for clubs to agree on a transfer fee.
United have been linked to Kadioglu before and the fit just made perfect sense, positionally as well as tactically.
A dream fit
At 24, his age profile matches the rest of the young squad and his positional versatility – he can play on both wings as well as in midfield – fills the three precise holes that United lack in.
To make matters worse, he is going to a team that can be expected to challenge United for European spots through the league in Brighton and Hove Albion.
The last time United dithered on signing a player who eventually went to Brighton, that player was later sold for £105 million. Think Moises Caicedo.
Kadioglu is much more of a proven commodity and has recently unlocked another level to his game after starring at the Euros.
Unfortunately, it looks like as soon as United signed Mazraoui, the door to Kadioglu was always going to shut but it shouldn’t be.
Not only does he provide a reliable option at left-back, but his positional versatility opens up so many tactical avenues for Erik ten Hag.
There’s still time, Man United. There’s a “gazump” to be executed here!
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
