The transfer window at Manchester United is almost certain to end on a frantic note as they try to plug more holes in the squad contingent on selling.
Due to this position, clever bargains and creative opportunities in the market can’t be missed, and so appeared the name of Mario Hermoso.
The centre-back is a free agent after his Atletico Madrid contract expired and at 29, provides reliable experience.
Furthermore, his wage demands were reportedly not ridiculous and his ability to play as a left-back too made him an ideal tactical fit.
After sealing the double swoop of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, United were linked with Mario Hermoso and they appear to have made a final decision on him now.
Man United on Mario Hermoso transfer
Firstly, it is worth mentioning that because Hermoso is a free agent, his signing doesn’t need to be completed before the end of the window.
He can be registered outside of it as well so United can afford to focus on other targets and treat his signing as an opportunity in the market.
Spanish outlet AS reports that the player also wants to stay in Europe despite receiving offers from Saudi Arabia. However, United have rejected the chance to sign the player after being offered his services.
It is not yet clear why United have reached this decision but, purely as a theory, there could be concerns over his age and suitability to Premier League football.
At 29, he is experienced but United are unlikely to offer a long-term contract to a player who will turn 30 at the end of the season.
The wages might look palatable now but they will have the potential to age drastically if his game declines when he goes to the wrong side of 30.
United have experienced this first-hand with Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, who gave United one good season before becoming liabilities on the contract books.
Twice bitten could make United third-time shy, much to the chagrin of Hermoso who, as said earlier, wants to stay in Europe but no concrete offers have emerged so far.
Man United need more
The club might have very valid reasons for declining this chance to sign Hermoso, but their transfer business can’t be deemed done after the double swoop from Bayern Munich.
Defensive midfield was arguably the biggest area of concern coming into the window and that remains unaddressed.
Of course, United have had to pivot from their first-choice target, Manuel Ugarte, due to PSG’s asking price but backups have been mentioned.
Names like Sander Berge, or the tried and tested Sofyan Amrabat have been linked and either way, United need to finish the window with at least one more player who has to be a defensive midfielder.
Casemiro did well vs Man City but he’s already shown he can’t be relied upon anymore to start every week as the sole defensive screener.
That position could make or break United’s season and the depth right now looks scarily shallow.
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