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Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ purchase of a minority stake in Manchester United has brought some semblance of stability to the club side.
United confirmed in December that a deal had been agreed for Ratcliffe to take a 25 per cent stake, with a $1.3billion purchase seeing the British billionaire intending to take control of the club’s football operations.
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Poised to make sure the Red devils return to their spot amongst English heavyweights, there’s a lot of work to be done off the pitch. Transfer wise, the scouting department, wage structure and many more.
For the better part of the last decade, United have made questionable decisions in the transfer market, often times going for players not needed or unfitting so to say of the club’s project — if there be one.
With the season gradually coming to an end and the summer window fast tracking, here’s how the last contingent have fared.
André Onana (£43.8 million) — 7.5/10
With the onset of the sweeper goalkeeper in modern day football, Erik Ten Hag opted to bring in familiar face André Onana who he had previously worked with at AFC Ajax.
Despite David De Gea winning the 2022/2023 Premier League golden gloves, it was not enough to command a contract extension from the club side. Onana fresh off a UCL campaign with Inter Milan switched off to the red part of Manchester.
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Likely a victim of Manchester United’s on-pitch struggles, the shot-stopper had a tough start to life with the club. He’s however looked to grow into the role step by step and looking more and more like the reason why they forked out a heavy sum to acquire his services.
Mason Mount (£55 million) — 3/10
The English midfielder has till date made just 12 appearances for Manchester United. Perhaps a harsh ranking as his time has seen three different injury concerns, it’s still justified in the sense that his garnered appearances have given little to be desired.
Considering how highly rated he was with Chelsea FC, Mount — who now dons the iconic number 7 jersey still has a whole lot to repay the United faithful.
Sofyan Amrabat (Loan) – 3/10
The heavy workload on 2022 summer signing Casemiro necessitated United having to go in for an extra midfielder. After a surreal world cup with Morocco, Amrabat supposedly declined offers from FC Barcelona and Liverpool to make the switch to Old Trafford.
Months since his arrival, it’s obvious he’s not what United bargained for. Rash, lunges into challenges easily and quite astonishingly has troubles playing out of the back as a 6.
In that time, academy lad Kobbie Mainoo has pushed to the first team set-up, deposed him and made the extra midfield spot his.
Manchester United have already communicated, they would not be exercising the option to extend his stay at the club side.
Jonny Evans (Free) — 7/10
Evans, who had previously played at the club before was re-signed on a free transfer over the summer.
Heads turned when the club announced the veteran who had just been a part of trainings to stay in shape would be joining the club as a 5th choice center-back.
That decision has however come in handy with recurring injury crises to Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire. Even with the fast paced nature of today’s game, a 35-year-old Evans has stepped up whenever called upon in service.
“His attitude and work ethic are second to none and Erik and the coaching staff know he’s someone they can rely on whenever needed this season,” United’s Football Director John Murtough said.
Altay Bayindir (£4.3 million) – 2/10
The Turkiye national team goalkeeper joined the club from Fenerbahce over the summer. At a club where he was number one and assured starter, he arrived at Manchester United expectedly to be second fiddle and provide competition to André Onana.
However, reverse has been the case — his debut appearance against Newport being his only for the club so far. During Onana’s poor run of form, cup games or dead rubber ties, Erik Ten Hag has refused to play him.
Recall, André Onana stayed till very late before he joined up with the Cameroon squad at the Africa Cup of Nations. Which begs the question “why was he signed?”
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Sergio Reguilon (Loan) – 7/10
The former Real Madrid defender was signed on an emergency basis by Manchester United. With Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw continuing to suffer from injuries, he was brought in to provide depth in the position.
Considering both Alex Telles and Alvaro Fernandez also left for Al Nassr and Sl Benfica respectively. His 12 appearances showed nothing short of a committed and hard-working personnel.
United decided to cut short his loan move in January which has now proved costly following Luke Shaw’s injury relapse. The club has now been forced into deploying Victor Lindelof or Sofyan Amrabat as auxiliary left-backs.
Rasmus Hojlund (£64 million) – 8/10
Hojlund’s premier league exploits didn’t start in the best possible way. Despite finding the back of the net on numerous occasions in the UEFA champions league, he had to wait till boxing day to find his first in the domestic league.
Since then, he went on to become the youngest player to ever score in six consecutive premier league games.
His arrival coinciding with the troubles in the club’s striking department there is definitely a very strong indication that this is one signing the Erik Ten Hag administration have gotten right.
With lengthy years left on his contract, he provides a platform on which the Manchester United restructuring can be facilitated.
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