The Manchester United January signing that was nailed on, couldn’t fail, then did in a flash

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Manchester United were probably not as active as they’d have liked to have been in the January transfer window.

Ruben Amorim needed reinforcements, but Manchester United only signed Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.

A lot of this came down to Red Devils’ financial trouble, meaning Amorim couldn’t splash the cash in his first window as Manchester United’s head coach.

This, is a worry, considering United’s lack of goal threat up top this season. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee aren’t firing, so a new striker would’ve been ideal in January.

And this did look like the case for a while, that was until a deadline day bombshell ensured this would not be the case.

• READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date

Mathys Tel looked destined for Manchester United

Mathys Tel was the story of deadline day, with the Bayern Munich youngster joining Tottenham Hotspur on loan, with an option to buy.

It was a whirlwind of a transfer. Tel initially rejected Spurs, favouring that of Arsenal or in fact Manchester United, which had many Red Devils fans thinking Tel was nailed on for a late swoop.

Then it emerged that Tel was travelling to England on Monday, and almost immediately after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that would be to Farnborough airport, where he’d sign for Spurs on loan.

Tottenham negotiated with Bayern throughout Deadline Day to insert a buy option into the deal. So how did the transfer unfold and why did Manchester United not proceed?

Tel to Manchester United saga, as it happened

Fabrizio Romano first claimed Tel wanted to leave Bayern around a week ago, which is when the rumour to United started to heat up.

United then made calls to Tel’s representatives – but the Red Devils faced competition, with six other clubs calling to try and sign the teenager.

Tel was ready to wave Germany goodbye and United looked like one of the front runners. Tel wanted game time, not an issue at Old Trafford.

Spurs made the first move for Tel, but it emerged he was waiting for other offers – including from Manchester United, which was Tel’s preference.

This all came together to muster a feeling of certainty at Old Trafford. Tel must be United bound.

Well, on deadline day, that all came crashing down. With United struggling to negotiate Tel’s deal, Tottenham swooped in.

One of the reasons Manchester United didn’t proceed with Tel was the ridiculous loan fee, and the fact it was a straight loan, with no option to buy. This is something that Spurs managed to navigate around.

Albeit, at a cost. Spurs are paying a ludicrous fee for half a season, then if they want to sign permanently, must fork out a small fortune.

Manchester United, frustratingly, didn’t get a man who wanted to come to the club, but given the overall cost – you can’t feel too disheartened.

Tel will now face Red Devils for Tottenham Hotspur

As it stands, Tel will make his Premier League debut against Manchester United on February 16 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

It appears that missing out on Tel could come back to haunt United even sooner than anticipated.