Key points
We are into the final few hours of transfer deadline day looking at Manchester United, a last chance for Ineos to tweak Ruben Amorim’s squad.
It has been a unproductive day at Old Trafford although not without incident. Here is a summary of transfer deadline day to date.
*** Manchester United have pulled out of a move for Mathys Tel, viewing a loan fee of £6.5 million as too expensive. United also wanted a buy clause. He is heading to Tottenham.
*** A rumoured move for Leon Bailey will not be going ahead, and it appears Christian Nkunku will not be joining either.
*** Lisandro Martinez’s injury appears to be the worst case scenario. Reports from Argentina claim he will be out for at least eight months with a torn ACL.
Thanks for reading
The Q&A has now come to a close, similar to United’s transfer business. We will post any breaking news in here if any develops through the evening.
[Link]Tyrell Malacia is heading towards a loan exit, is that it for him?
Graeme: “He is another that just doesn’t fit the system – it is why we probably won’t see Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as long-term members of the squad.
“Amorim has decided he does not have a future. He has been so unlucky with injuries, but we are unlikely to see him in United colours again.”
How significant will losing Lisandro Martinez be?
Graeme: “Losing Lisandro Martinez is a blow to Ruben Amorim not just his lack of games, but what he brings to the squad in terms of his levels – he is never satisfied and is a great influence on the younger members of the squad.
“The devil in me might suggest, have we seen the last of Martinez in a Manchester United shirt – in terms of the players who have a long-term futures, I am not convinced Martinez is one of them.”
What can you tell us about the Ayden Heaven deal?
Graeme: “I wrote about Ayden Heaven in November time I think it was, he really was on the radar of England’s best clubs and Europe, he really is considered a generational talent.
“I am told by Arsenal sources that although around the first-team – if he had signed his deal when he turned 17 – you would now be talking about him alongside his friends Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, he potentially that good.
“If Heaven is that good and Yoro performs – these two could be cornerstone pieces in terms of United’s defence.”
[Link]On United under Ruben Amorim vs Erik ten Hag
In response to a question via X on whether United have gone backwards under Ruben Amorim…
Graeme: “Well, as I alluded to when talking about Patrick Dorgu – Amorim hasn’t had chance to shape this squad – we can’t even begin to judge him until after the summer window, in my opinion. He has literally only had one signing made for him.
“This squad is not fit for purpose – Ten Hag’s signings – Onana, Mount, Casemiro and Hojlund – the money spent on those four is now haunting the club whilst their lack of ability is haunting Amorim.
“I don’t buy into him changing system just so United could maybe finish a few positions higher – he has to get his players used to playing like this – the whole club needs to be entrenched in how Amorim wants to play.
“And that is the thing – from Ten Hag’s first day to last, what was his system? How did he want to play? We did not know – but we already know that with Amorim.”
[Link]United recognise Rashford risk
Graeme Bailey: “And one thing I would emphasise, United realise this is a risk – like with Antony’s loan to Real Betis. United saw Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood go out and perform on-loan which meant their exits were feasible as a result.
“But look at Anthony Martial when he stunk the place out at Sevilla – if that happens here, Rashford won’t be going anywhere…”
[Link]Will Marcus Rashford’s loan lead to a permanent Aston Villa move?
Graeme Bailey: “In terms of a permanent deal, we know the option is available to Villa, but a fee was never the issue.
“The issue is the deal he is on and it is not just about the basic wages, his image rights situation is a massive thing.
“Villa would struggle massively to get near his deal.
“Already at two-thirds, 70% of his wages – he is Villa’s highest earner, they can’t go much higher – so who is going to swallow the other £100,000-a-week?
“But let’s see how it plays out – he has a Champions League campaign to look forward to at Villa and he goes to Villa Park needing to perform.”
How do United feel around Marcus Rashford’s exit?
Graeme Bailey: “Well, Ruben Amorim will be pleased in respect that he won’t get asked about Rashford at every single press conference… well actually, he won’t get asked about him not playing – he is going to get asked about whether he has watched him no doubt.
“I think at the very least it gives United, Amorim, the squad and Rashford himself some breathing space – a chance to reflect.
“This move will do one of two things to Rashford – he will either realise he should have left United before now or he will realise that the grass isn’t greener.”
[Link]How pleased are Manchester United with Patrick Dorgu
Graeme Bailey: “Patrick Dorgu is a landmark signing for Manchester United – the first solely made to fit the Ruben Amorim system.
“I reported the New Year how much United’s scouts loved Dorgu – they believe he is the perfect fit for Amorim and his squad moving forward.
“The deal took it’s time but they got him for less than Lecce’s €40m asking price and although the fee wasn’t key, they are delighted with every aspect of this move.”
A few more thoughts on United and Mathys Tel
Graeme Bailey: “I do wonder had United been pushing for top-four etc, would they have done more – possibly.
“Am sure the footballing department will keep half and eye on his progress though and he will be available in the summer in theory, so they might return for him. Never say never.”
[Link]United felt the Mathys Tel deal was wrong
Graeme Bailey on if United are content with the decision to pull back from a potential move for Mathys Tel: “They are in terms of the deal was not right for them, this new footballing department and Ineos are not about to cry over ‘spilt milk’ that’s the message coming from them.
“Tel was an opportunistic target, he was one the club knew about – even before he went to Bayern Munich and when he was made available it made all the sense in the world to go for him.
“The deal that Tottenham have done in terms of loan fee, wages – United just weren’t willing to do that and it never really came into their thinking to push like Spurs did.”
[Link]More on Alejandro Garnacho…
Graeme Bailey: “Does Garnacho have a long-term future? I am still not convinced and am told Garnacho isn’t either.
“There is no bad blood between Garnacho and Amorim, that has to be said – there is just a realisation that he is not a great fit for the system.”
[Link]How has the Alejandro Garnacho situation unfolded?
Graeme Bailey: “Well, firstly Manchester United and Ruben Amorim never made Garnacho available, they never told him he could move – like Marcus Rashford.
“The conversations came via Garnacho’s side – Napoli were keen but were never going to get near a potential United valuation but Chelsea were a different proposition.
“United did not fear Chelsea, but they were wary that they could not only afford Garnacho but unlike Napoli they really could turn his head.
“It did not get to an offer and United refused to rule out he could leave – but as said they did not instigate it.”
We have a transfer Q&A with insider Graeme Bailey coming up shortly…
Exclusive for United In Focus…
[Link]Patrick Dorgu’s first interview
Patrick Dorgu is the main addition for Manchester United this month. He has now given his first initial interview, you can read the main points here.
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What we can still expect
Tyrell Malacia’s loan should eventually be completed. Casemiro is one United would love to be able to ship off, but that seems questionable.
We could see a handful of young players leaving the club on loan before the deadline, although Harry Amass is not tipped to be among them.
Stick with us late, we will keep you updated as and when/if anything happens.
[Link]Ineos not expecting further additions
Ben Jacobs says Manchester United fans should not expect further additions before the transfer deadline.
He says Ineos are pleased with the additions made so far, focusing on Lecce’s Patrick Dorgu, and are not prepared to be ‘financially reckless’ to force a move.
Manchester United incomings unlikely, Alejandro Garnacho likely to stay
Fabrizio Romano says Manchester United are expected to stick with Patrick Dorgu, Ayden Heaven, Diego Leon as the club’s only January signings.
Alejandro Garnacho is expected to stay, Manchester United have decided he will not be sold.
Tyrell Malacia set for PSV loan
Tyrell Malacia is set to return to the Netherlands to join PSV Eindhoven on loan.
The one obstacle is a medical. With his injury history there is no guarantee this one does not fall apart, so one to keep an eye on.
Malacia needs a move with United signing Patrick Dorgu to replace him.
[Link]
El Bilal Toure unlikely
Over the weekend Manchester United were linked with a move for Atalanta’s El Bilal Toure, who is on loan at Stuttgart.
However this appears unlikely with the striker currently out recovering from a metatarsal injury.
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United running out of time
Welcome to our live blog as we track the final few hours of Manchester United’s transfer deadline day.
At the very least we expect some outgoings on loan – still crossing fingers for a surprise incoming.
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