The recent transfer window for Manchester United has undoubtedly been a sobering experience. Major player departures, including Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho, have left fans questioning the club’s decision-making. New minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is awaiting the ratification of his 25% stake, must closely examine these developments to understand the changes needed at Old Trafford. The billionaire and INEOS chairman, alongside his team led by INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, now faces the challenging task of determining whether these signings failed due to the players’ shortcomings or if the blame lies with the club itself.
The Intriguing Case of Jude Bellingham
To further illustrate the complexity of transfer success, we can consider the case of Jude Bellingham. In March 2020, both Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund agreed to a fee with Birmingham City for the talented midfielder. Bellingham ultimately chose Dortmund, and today, he is a highly regarded player at Real Madrid, hence being included in FIFA’s World XI at just 20 years old. This scenario raises the question of whether Bellingham’s career trajectory would have been the same had he joined Manchester United. It is impossible to know for certain, but it demonstrates that successful signings often depend on numerous factors beyond the club’s control.
Doubts and Reflections
Even Manchester United legend and former player Gary Neville has started doubting the club’s allure. After their recent 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur, Neville expressed his reservations, realizing that the advice he gave to potential players about joining the club may not hold true: “I have spoken to players before they come here saying you’ll never regret it, it’s a magic football club, looking back that’s pretty poor advice.” He also acknowledged the success of players like Jude Bellingham, who flourished elsewhere, questioning what might have happened if they had chosen Manchester United. Neville’s reflections highlight the need for a deep cultural examination.
Analyzing Manchester United’s ten most expensive signings reveals a striking pattern. Only Bruno Fernandes can be considered a true success, with players like Paul Pogba, Jadon Sancho, and Angel Di Maria falling short of expectations. However, it would be unfair to place the blame solely on these players. Examples like Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, and Casemiro prove that the jury is still out on some signings. Other factors, such as the culture, must also be considered when evaluating player performance. The recurring pattern of underwhelming performances following big-money moves to Manchester United suggests systemic issues rather than individual player deficiencies.
Manchester United’s former manager Erik ten Hag emphasized the significance of character when evaluating players’ success at the club. He stressed that the Premier League, particularly Manchester United, exerts immense pressure on its players. The ability to cope with this pressure and maintain confidence in one’s abilities becomes crucial. Dortmund manager Edin Terzic echoed this sentiment, suggesting that wearing the Manchester United shirt carries a weightier burden than that of other clubs, further intensifying the pressure. However, this perspective does not explain why players like Bellingham and Erling Haaland were able to adapt seamlessly at their new clubs.
The Influence of Different Paths
Had Van de Beek and Sancho pursued different paths, their fortunes at Manchester United might have been altered significantly. Van de Beek, who was once shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or in 2019, had the opportunity to join Real Madrid, while Sancho was also interested in a move to Spain at one point. Reflecting on this, one may wonder whether Harry Maguire’s reputation would be different had he joined Manchester City instead of Manchester United. It is worth noting that City eventually opted for Rúben Dias, who has since thrived under Pep Guardiola’s guidance. These divergent paths highlight how different environments can shape a player’s trajectory.
A Wake-Up Call for Change
Manchester United’s new minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, must use these transfer window failures as a wake-up call for change. As decisions begin to be made under his leadership, the focus must undoubtedly be on recruitment and creating an environment that fosters success. Van de Beek and Sancho, two promising players with bright futures, saw their careers dim during their time at Manchester United. Ratcliffe must prioritize discovering the underlying reasons behind these failures and take the necessary measures to ensure that they do not happen in the future. Only then can Manchester United reclaim their glory days.
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