You only need look back at the Jadon Sancho transfer saga in 2020 and 2021 to see how badly Manchester United have operated in the market.
The Jadon Sancho transfer saga will haunt Manchester United and the fans. It was a painful experience, with the Red Devils locked in on a big name target at a big price.
Eventually they got their man, and it turned out to be a complete waste of time, with Sancho going down as one of the club’s worst ever signings.
The best signings are often the low-key ones. Late in 2020, United pivoted and took a chance on Amad Diallo – who has gone onto become a first team star, outlasting Sancho, and earning a new contract to 2030.
United now have their sights set on another unheralded gem, who could follow the Sancho path to success, and this is a much smarter way to operate.
Manchester United pursue Dorgeles Nene
Manchester United are pursuing Red Bull Salzburg talent Dorgeles Nene, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Nene, 22, plays for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria and is an attacking player, one who is being ‘monitored’ by the club, ahead of a possible January or summer move.
Nene has been at Salzburg since 2021, and had three spells out on loan to help his development. This season he has scored six goals and provided six assists for the team, solid numbers, even if they do not blow you away.
Speaking to Salzburg’s official site in 2023, Nene spoke about his high profile idols who inspire him.
He said: “In terms of playing, I am particularly inspired by Kylian Mbappe with his speed and Neymar with his technique and dribbling.”
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Dorgeles Nene trained to fit Amorim demands
While Dorgeles Nene is inspired by two big names, his grounding at Red Bull Salzburg is training him up in a way that could make him a ready-made fit for Ruben Amorim’s work-hard approach.
Explaining his task after returning from a loan in Belgium in 2023, he commented: “Our style of play here is extremely intense, we chase the opponent in their own half – I still have to get used to it.”
He went on to add: “Our pressing style of play suits me in general.”
The past 18 months since Nene has been gaining experience at Salzburg, and if he were to sign for Manchester United, he would arrive as a player with hard work and pressing ingrained into his psyche, ready to contribute.
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