Transfer troubles could see Manchester United focus on youth

Amidst what is expected to be a significant squad rebuild at Manchester United, following the arrival of Erik ten Hag as their new manager, locking down key transfer moves appears to be posing serious concerns. While many rival clubs in the Premier League have already announced important signings, the Red Devils have yet to land any of their primary targets.

What makes this all the more worrying at United, when the club issued its list of retained players ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, it was confirmed that six first team players will be leaving when their contracts expire at the end of June. Those departures include goalkeeper Lee Grant, striker Edinson Cavani, along with midfielders Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba. Five players from the Academy will also be leaving.

Given that new boss Ten Hag is expected to complete a full evaluation of the squad, several other first team players could also be sold. Uncertainty surrounds the future of forward Anthony Martial, who spent the latter half of last season at Sevilla on loan, while goalkeeper Dean Henderson apparently wants first team football elsewhere. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Eric Bailly could also be offloaded, having largely failed to impress during their time at the club.

Long summer expected at Old Trafford

While the summer 2022 transfer window doesn’t officially open until 1st July, the lack of any confirmed new arrivals is testing the patience of supporters, who are inevitably keen to see Manchester United announced some new signings. This is made all the more frustrating because elsewhere in the Premier League, the biggest rivals have already announced major transfer deals, much to the delight amongst fans of those clubs.

Manchester City secured the services of Norwegian star Erling Haaland, arguably the best young striker in world football right now, as Liverpool moved swiftly to grab Uruguayan attacking sensation Darwin Núñez. The Merseyside club wasted zero time, beating a host of interested clubs which reportedly included Manchester United, who apparently withdrew from the race having initially seemed keen.

Man United's strategy to sign Frenkie de JOng https://t.co/YCFdYRAuQp

— SPORT English (@Sport_EN) June 21, 2022

Regarded as the top priority for the Old Trafford hierarchy, negotiations to sign Frenkie de Jong seem to be dragging on, largely due to his club FC Barcelona standing firm with their valuation. The Spanish giants have already rejected the first offer, while the 25-year-old midfielder has thus far been coy about his future, hinting towards a preference to stay with his current club. Getting any deal concluded could require time and patience.

However, according to Spanish outlet SPORT on 21st July, United’s strategy to sign Frenkie de Jong is one of relative calm, indicating they are willing to wait for a reaction to their second offer. This is believed to be around €70 million plus variables, which is expected to be their maximum bid for the Dutchman, conscious the precarious financial situation at Barcelona could force them to accept. Any other business is likely to depend on the outcome of this deal.

Ten Hag may turn to youthful options

Before backing United to win any silverware, it will make sense to compare the best football betting sites available, which Arabian Betting provides via detailed reviews and advice, highlighting the safest and most secure options around. Meanwhile, if the Red Devils can’t guarantee any certainty in the transfer market at the moment, they do have a fine selection of talented young players at the club, hungry for opportunities to shine in the first team squad.

Ten Hag earned himself a strong reputation for developing young players at Ajax, many of whom realised their potential under his careful tutelage, going on to become recognised as top quality professionals. This was inevitably one of the key factors leading to his appointment by Manchester United, hopeful he can repeat this facet of his management over the next couple of years.

Manchester United are working on new deal for the Argentinian talent Alejandro Garnacho. Talks already started to get things done by this year. 🔴🇦🇷 #MUFC

Man Utd plan is to offer a five year deal as Garnacho is considered a huge talent. pic.twitter.com/EwBfLzRoV8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 11, 2022

18-year-old winger Alejandro Garnacho has already debuted in the Premier League, along with being called up to the senior Argentina squad earlier this year, indicating he could have an important role to play in the upcoming season. 21-year-old midfielder James Garner will also feel confident, following promising loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest over the last two seasons.

Another midfielder keen to make an impact is 21-year-old Dylan Levitt, who shone in the Scottish Premiership during the 2021-22 campaign with Dundee United, earning their Fans’ Player of the Year award. Boasting 16 international caps with Tunisia, 19-year-old midfielder Hannibal Mejbri is also considered to be ready for the next step, eager to prove his worth at Manchester United.

Academy graduates are the future at Old Trafford

Given the club already has an established record of developing youthful talents, it stands to reason that while transfer business proves to be slow and frustrating, they could show more willingness to promote from within. Interestingly, the best options available are also in positions which Ten Hag is looking to fill, as the Dutch head coach plans ahead for the new season.