Manchester United: Woodward has short deadline to complete key transfer
By Bence Bocsak
The clock is ticking for Manchester United.
The common adage goes, you snooze you lose. For Manchester United’s club chief, Ed Woodward, the saying has rung bitterly true during his tenure at Old Trafford. Often dithering on key transfers, Woodward has lost out on several key targets much to the dismay of the club’s supporters.
The latest was Erling Braut Haland, and losing out on the Norwegian forward ignited the fury of a certain section of the supporters so profoundly they marched to protest outside Woodward’s home.
The demonstration was a stark contrast to the euphoria which seemed to surround Old Trafford precisely two years prior. Back then the club were on the brink of announcing the transfer of Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal, having beaten rivals Manchester City to the Chilean’s signature.
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Alexis Sanchez’s transfer was one of those rare moments when Ed Woodward did not dither and instead coughed up the hefty sum demanded by the Chilean international. Although perhaps in this instance the fans would have preferred the club chief to take his time a little bit longer.
Sanchez would never live up to the expectations at Old Trafford. He did not herald a new era. Instead he has been a mediocre player who has often disappointed with abysmal performances.
Now he is a thorn in United’s backside. Alexis Sanchez’s wages are extremely high and the Chilean continues to drain the club’s financial resources.
This summer in a volatile market, offloading Alex Sanchez will be Ed Woodward’s top priority in order to raise funds for much needed reinforcements.
And it seems the Red Devils could be faced with a ten day deadline in their efforts to offload the Chilean this summer.
According to Gazzette dello Sport via the Daily Express, United are hoping their firm stance on not extending Alexis Sanchez’s loan deal further than 5th August will entice Inter to wrap a deal for the Chilean and make Sanchez’s stay at the San Siro permanent.
With Inter still set to compete in the Europa League, the Italian giants will need Alexis Sanchez as they look to win the European competition.
Alexis Sanchez’s recent form has been impressive and there is no doubt the Italian club are keen to secure him on a permanent deal.
Ed Woodward’s firm stance could pay dividends. One thing is for certain selling Alexis Sanchez and getting him off the wage bill is a major priority for United.
How much would you sell Alexis Sanchez to Inter?