Few could argue that Manchester United have been bested by the transfer business of any Premier League team in the preseason transfer window. They have strengthened some problem areas with some of the best players in the world, and many wait with bated breath to see if the Red Devils can reach their former glory.
First on the roster was the signing of one of Europe’s finest rising stars in Jadon Sancho. The 21 year old had absolutely sparkled in the Bundesliga, consistently adding goals, assists, and memorable performances along the way. The perfect signing for any of Europe’s top teams, Sancho provides something on attack that few his age can offer.
United and Sancho were destined for eachother, as the Mancunians had pursued the rising starlet for quite some time. This would not be Sancho’s first endeavour in Manchester, as he completed a significant amount of his development with United’s rivals Manchester City.
The signing of Sancho was a dream come true, however there were more areas in United’s squad that needed addressing, principally, in the defensive line. Enter the signing of one of world football’s most decorated defenders, Frenchman Raphael Varane. Varane has time and again been quoted as a “Rolls Royce” of defenders. Silky smooth on the ball, with the defensive mind that United needed to take them to the next level.
At Varane’s former club, Real Madrid, he won it all. League Cups, League titles, Champions Leagues, you name it. He firmly established himself as one of Madrid’s galacticos, however, in 2021, was ready for a crack at the Premier League. The prospect of his partnership with Harry Maguire has many excited, as it feels to be the perfect mix of elegance and brawn.
Lest we forget the most influential signing of them all. United’s favourite son, who had now conquered three of Europe’s top five leagues, was ready to come home. After completing two seasons at Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo was ready to rejoin the Red Devil Army, and further etch his name into footballing history.
Ronaldo needs no introduction. Year after year he has proven that he is from another planet when it comes to footballing ability, and has vigorously competed against Lionel Messi for the the crown of the best footballer in the world. A signing of this magnitude saw the footballing world stand still, as Ronaldo completed his homecoming.
The signing of Ronaldo had bookmakers everywhere adjusting their odds, as United simply cannot be removed from the title race conversation. While they will face some stiff competition from their cross town rivals, and Champions League winners Chelsea, it would be foolish to rule out United completely.
To summarise it, United have strengthened two major areas with immense execution. They have added three of world football’s top players in attack and defense. The question does remain however surrounding the void in the defensive midfield position. United have the likes of Paul Pogba and Donny van De Beek to draw from in the more box to box role, and Bruno Fernandes has dazzled the Premier League, however their midfield feels somewhat out of balance without a seasoned and proven defensive midfielder.
Currently they have the likes of Fred, who has failed to deliver, and Scott McTominay, who has filled the role and done a noble job, but doesn’t have the pedigree that a side like United need in this position.
What is clear however is that Ole’s men are in with more than just a shout. If United can somehow include Ronaldo, Cavani and Sancho in the same attacking line, which will be fed by the incredible service of the likes of Fernandes and Pogba, we are likely to see fireworks. There are few in the Premier League that have strengthened as well as United have.
