Manchester United are clearing house as the transfer window ticks to a close which has enabled them to be proactive in the market.
Manuel Ugarte’s transfer turned out to be a permanent deal after they managed to move Scott McTominay to Napoli.
Similarly, Hannibal Mejbri’s transfer fee from with move to Burnley is also a boost since his book value is zero after being at the club for nearly four years.
With five signings done, it looks like all the holes in the team have been addressed and Ineos can spend the remaining time in the window optimising the edges of the Manchester United squad. Or will they?
Key change in Hannibal Mejbri’s transfer deal
It was widely reported earlier that Burnley are moving for Hannibal on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy next year.
That would have suited United perfectly fine as it guarantees a windfall next year when there will be more signings to do.
However, the dynamic changed quickly, and it was later revealed that Hannibal is, in fact, joining Burnley on a permanent deal right away.
Fabrizio Romano reported that United requested a late change to the structure of the deal and wanted it to be without a loan, bringing the windfall forward to this season.
That key late change to the deal points at Ineos’ intentions, that their business in this window is not done yet.
Who could Man United buy after Manuel Ugarte?
United being in a “sell to buy” mode means that they can use every penny they get and the fact that they wanted Hannibal money shows there could be further players coming through the door at Old Trafford.
Tentative links to Sofyan Amrabat remain, and even if United refuse to pay Fiorentina’s asking price as it stands, things change quickly near the end of the market.
They might need additional midfield reinforcements anyway if there is a late bid for Christian Eriksen, which could be the case even if it isn’t right now.
Besides midfield, a left-footed defender wouldn’t go amiss who can also deputise as a left-back. Free agent Mario Hermoso has been touted but his move isn’t restricted to the confined of the window as he’s unattached.
An unexpected forward opportunity could present itself if they get rid of even a part of Jadon Sancho’s wages if his Juventus move materialises.
It’s fair to say that apart from goalkeeper, there isn’t a position at the club where United can look and say they can’t improve it, despite signing five players.
The change to terms of Hannibal’s transfer points at them thinking exactly that for this window.
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