Manchester United need to break the cycle of the post-Fergie era. To do this, it means acting differently.
In recent seasons Manchester United have had an unhealthy habit of locking in on one main transfer target and expecting him to fix everything.
The problem is, the most expensive ones often don’t turn out to be the best. They can even be the most disappointing, see Jadon Sancho as one recent disastrous example.
It’s why the club should be a little reluctant to go ‘all in’ on promising Benfica defender Antonio Silva.
Antonio Silva could be outstanding
Benfica prospect Antonio Silva is being talked about as one of the best young prospects in European football.
The 19-year-old has five international caps for Portugal already, and 53 appearances so far for Benfica.
He is also under a long-term contract to 2027, where there is a staggering £85 million release clause in place.
Benfica’s past history of big sales for Joao Felix and Enzo Fernandez suggests they will insist that interested teams pay up, and won’t offer a discount.
And sure, Antonio Silva might be the next great defender, but we don’t know that for sure, and the fee required makes it a big gamble for United.
Silva would be set up for failure at United
Manchester United need improving at centre-back. But there are so many issues, that one highly priced defender won’t fix it.
Lisandro Martinez is the only sure bet moving forward, and by January, he will have missed the majority of 2023 due to injury.
There are question marks over Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane‘s futures, with the trio entering their 30s, and it is fair to say an overhaul is needed, not just a minor tweak. Quantity as well as quantity is needed.
Throwing in a young centre-back, Antonio Silva, into a high pressure environment like Manchester United could be recipe for failure. Even experienced professionals can crumble – look at Andre Onana.
When a new player comes in, the pressure and scrutiny is unforgiving – especially if he signs for a record amount. United would not be placing Antonio Silva in a fair position.
A move for Silva would take up the majority of United’s budget next summer. It’s time for United to be a bit smarter. For the same money, United could sign both Jean-Clair Todibo and Goncalo Inacio. Or if there is some really good scouting, the club could probably sign four players for the same price.
Let’s move away from fixating on one highly priced target to solve our issues in one swoop.
As Ralf Rangnick said, this is not cosmetic, it is open-heart surgery. United need to be smarter on how they go about their business, and start looking for value.
Signing a young player for a ridiculously high fee probably won’t end well. Not with the pressure-cooker cauldron that comes with the territory at Manchester United.
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