Even with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambitious vision for a ‘world-class’ ensemble at Manchester United, the club’s recruitment strategy remains questionable, with recent transfer dealings laying bare some glaring errors amidst efforts to rectify past missteps.
The summer transfer window has been subject to significant scrutiny. While opinions diverge, optimism is tempered with doubt. The late arrival of Senne Lammens in goal raises eyebrows, albeit offering hope for an improvement now that Andre Onana’s and Alter Bayindir’s regular appearances might be curtailed.
A significant reshuffle in the attacking line-up saw United spend approximately £200 million on Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, and Matheus Cunha. Initial performances suggest that while Mbeumo and Cunha show promise, Sesko’s £74 million price tag remains contentious.
Furthermore, a notable exodus has seen all but Tyrell Malacia vacate the Old Trafford changing rooms. Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho have all bid farewell, marking a transitional phase that sees Ratcliffe’s grand ambition—to reclaim the Premier League crown by 2028—under increasing pressure.
Underpinning United’s transfer challenges is Ratcliffe’s divisive reign, with detractors likening his unpopularity to that of the Glazers. With the establishment of a ‘world-class’ recruitment team led by director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, it’s evident that the club’s strategic overhaul is still fraught with complexity.
A particular faux pas surfaced via The Athletic’s annual analysis of United’s transfer dealings. The internal debate focused on prioritising either a striker or a midfielder, with Wilcox advocating for a goal scorer given the team’s paltry tally of 44 Premier League goals. While this makes sense in context, the absence of a creative midfield dynamo means central issues remain unaddressed.
The likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha might alleviate some attacking woes, but splurging £200 million on forward talent while neglecting a central defensive midfielder remains a glaring oversight. Carlos Baleba perhaps could be the saviour if pursued in future windows.
In addition, a return move for a seasoned Premier League veteran, such as Danny Welbeck, was mooted to relieve pressure from young guns like Sesko and Hojlund. Ratcliffe’s reluctance to formalise a contract, however, curtailed this potential veteran acquisition.
As things stand, the absence of a senior striker to mentor the youthful frontline might lead to a daunting burden upon the young Sesko’s shoulders. Welbeck, a cost-effective, reliable choice, could have provided invaluable on-field mentorship.
Thus, the grand ambitions of Ratcliffe’s ‘dream team’ are yet to be realised as Manchester United’s recruitment strategy requires refinement. The jury, it seems, is still very much out on United’s path to redemption.
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