An explanation has now been provided for Manchester United’s lack of activity in the transfer market over the past few weeks.
Silence
Since announcing the signings of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Karl Darlow last month, it has been relatively quiet at United in terms of transfer activity.
United were expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer window ahead of their participation in the Champions League and the opportunity to mount a title charge, but that has not materialised.
Michael Carrick recently appeared to lodge an appeal for recruits, as have fans, who are growing concerned by just how little United are doing. With only two weeks of the window left, United could find themselves short-handed just as a crucial season gets underway.
According to The Athletic, United are deliberately pausing to ensure their next moves are the right ones.
The newspaper claims, “United then decided [after signing Santos, Tielemans and Darlow] to take stock and assess options, while seeing how Carrick’s team progressed through pre-season. Certain situations have also needed time to develop, so United waited.
It would be an understatement to describe United’s inactivity as merely bizarre, particularly given the club’s financial capacity and the fact that they had formulated a plan ahead of the summer window.
It is difficult to justify halting momentum merely to reassess, as if the window will remain open indefinitely.
On the agenda
The Athletic insist that the Red Devils remain on the hunt for a midfielder and left-back. Ideally, they could sign someone who is capable of being used in both positions. This is where Myles Lewis-Skelly comes in.
The Arsenal youngster was offered to United, although he himself is understood to be keen on remaining in North London, where he is settled.
Other left-back options for United are Lewis Hall (Newcastle), Jorge Salinas (Racing Santander) and Joaquin Seys (Club Brugge).
Newcastle are adamant that Hall is not for sale. Salinas has a €16m release clause while Brugge have made it clear that Seys will not be allowed to leave.
United could also dip into the market for a striker of Joshua Zirkzee leaves.
Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
