On Thursday the 2019/20 summer transfer window slammed shut, concluding Manchester United’s business. Three fresh faces have arrived at Old Trafford, with a number of departures too, but will Ole Gunnar Solskjaer be pleased?
It was billed by fans as one of Manchester United’s biggest transfer windows in their recent history. Given the rebuild that Solskjaer is tasked with this window had to signal intent and a direction in which he wanted to take the club.
With only three new players coming in, there is no doubt Manchester United fans would have wanted more, however, the board have assured the Norwegian that he will have the opportunity to strengthen the squad in future windows whatever the outcome of this campaign.
Incomings
At 21, James has got a bright future ahead of him and has already impressed at the club throughout preseason. He is fast and direct, your classic winger.
Aaron Wan Bissaka signed from Crystal Palace next and has been tremendous whilst on tour with United. Another player who is blessed with great pace, the right-back never seems to allow anyone past him.
If injuries don’t hamper Wan-Bissaka you get the impression he could be wearing red in the back four for a very long time.
United’s final summer signing was Harry Maguire from Leicester City for £80 million, a much-needed addition in the defence. Not only is the Englishman a terrific centre-half but once again he is a player who has the right attitude to play for the club.
Notable outgoings
His commitment can not be questioned through the majority of those 10 years, although injuries and fitness issues did hamper the Ecuadorian at times.
Ander Herrera is a player who certainly gave his all whilst at the club. Signed in 2014 from Athletico Bilbao, the Spanish international hit his best form for the club in Jose Mourinho’s first and last season at the club.
Romelu Lukaku sealed his Deadline Day move away from the club on Thursday as he joined Inter Milan of Italy. After two years at the club, it was clear the striker wanted to leave and quite frankly when that is the case, you must get rid.
He was a player who didn’t really suit Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s style of play anyway and receiving £74 million for him was a good piece of business from Ed Woodward.
Overview
Whether or not you believe United have done enough in the transfer market to mount a top-four challenge this season, you have to credit the direction Solskjaer is wanting to take the club.
The players he is targeting are exactly the right ones for Manchester United. Unfortunately, he couldn’t add another midfielder to the squad, which could cost him this season, but there is a definitive strategy in place that now fits harmoniously with the ethos of the football club.