Manchester United fans will be deeply frustrated to see their attacking options even more limited as the transfer window closes, leaving them with even fewer choices than when it began.
Head coach Ruben Amorim made a bold move by effectively discarding Marcus Rashford, allowing the 27-year-old to join Aston Villa on loan, with United reportedly covering at least 75% of his wages at Villa Park.
Amorim’s decision to play teenage midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a false nine in their 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, ahead of the more expensive and established strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, highlights his lack of faith in their abilities.
This striker shortage is set to dominate discussions about United’s transfer window, which starkly exposed their current struggles, especially for a club that is the third richest in the world.
With United’s financial situation and the need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), they couldn’t afford to make a big signing without a significant sale first.
This led to rumors that players like Mainoo, a prized homegrown talent, and Alejandro Garnacho could be sold to free up funds for other acquisitions.
Amorim has kept both young players, with the only notable incoming being 20-year-old Denmark defender Patrick Dorgu from Lecce for a deal that could reach £29 million, along with the signing of Ayden Heaven, a defender from Arsenal’s under-19 team.
Few will miss the departure of Antony, who joined Real Betis on loan after an underwhelming stint at United following his £81 million transfer from Ajax, which many see as one of the club’s worst purchases.
While the transfer window has been lackluster, the club’s leadership can argue that they were in a difficult position, unable to make big signings without risking financial instability.
Had they made hasty, short-term moves, they would have been criticized for mismanaging funds; now, for not spending, they face criticism for their cautious approach, which many feel could have prevented some of the current issues.
The window has done little to lift the spirits of United’s fans, with the team languishing in 13th place in the Premier League after another home defeat.
The lack of activity during the transfer window only reinforces the sense that the remainder of the season will be about managing the situation and limiting damage until Amorim has the chance to reshape the squad in the summer.
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