Man Utd's dismal deadline days explains Sir Jim Ratcliffe transfer stance
Man Utd's dismal deadline days explains Sir Jim Ratcliffe transfer stance
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Manchester United's record on deadline day doesn't paint a pretty picture and the hierarchy - led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe - look to have their sights firmly on the summer. They don't want to do anything in the coming hours that will impact on their plans come the end of the season. Finances are tight and spare cash is at a premium, hence why the club have pursued so many loan deals, including Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel.
No potential deal is currently developing and the MEN reports that have stressed United they have no plan to bring in any short-term or stop-gap players which could ultimately compromise the club's budget in the summer. Despite calls to add more firepower, especially with some of the squad's peripheral figures leaving, the Red Devils are set to stand firm and stick with the players they have, which will allow them more leeway financially when it comes to pursuing players in the summer.
Already they've been linked with the likes of Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting Lisbon, who was a huge hit under Ruben Amorim. A number of Europe's big names are circling but the Manchester outfit will hope with relationship with Amorim can see them jump to the head of the queue. Ratcliffe will also be aware of how the club's desire in the past to do some business late in the day has often backfired. There is a long list of players who moved to Old Trafford late in the window and failed to make an impact or fell well short of the reputations they arrived with.
Cristiano Ronaldo was a deadline day capture, signing for a second time for Juventus as he sought pastures new. United have no plans to pursue Ronaldo but felt they couldn't pass up the opportunity. The striker saw his contract terminated in less than 18 months. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also went after Alex Telles and Edinson Cavani. Telles never delivered and Cavani, whilst coming up with some big moments, was very much past his peak when he joined.
Go back further and Louis van Gaal made Anthony Martial the most expensive teenager ever when he landed him in 2015. His exploits at Monaco turned his head but the forward showed glimpses, but ultimately failed to deliver throughout his years in Manchester. Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
