Manchester United’s transfer window had a lot to unpack, from player arrivals, to a late flurry of outgoings.
Even with the window closing early at 7pm, Manchester United kept fans waiting until late for confirmation of new signing Senne Lammens.
Entering deadline day it was uncertain whether United would move for Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez, or Royal Antwerp’s Lammens.
United opted for the younger but more inexperienced Lammens, amid a frantic effort to offload the club’s unwanted outcasts, along with a handful of younger players on loan deals.
After the transfer deadline closed, United In Focus held a transfer question and answer session with insider Graeme Bailey, asking about everything related to the summer’s activity. Below is a full recap of everything we learned.
Manchester United’s overall view of the transfer window
Graeme Bailey explained that Manchester United are largely satisfied with the transfer window, even if compromises had to be made with the desired fees of the players being moved on.
He said: “United feel good – they got a new front three, a new goalkeeper – the only thing they didn’t do was a new defensive midfielder but overall I believe they are happy.
“They also got the bomb squad out – all the big ones Rashford, Sancho, Antony, Garnacho and Hojlund.
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“To be fair with none of them did United get the deals they wanted, but they have all gone, so you have to see that as a positive.”
Antwerp's Belgian goalkeeper #91 Senne Lammens puts the ball back into play
Photo by VIRGINIE LEFOUR/BELGA/AFP via Getty Images
How the Senne Lammens transfer came together
Speaking about Manchester United’s new signing Senne Lammens, he explained that it was a scout-driven deal, with the goalkeeper making a big impression.
“United to their credit have been on Lammens’ trail since last year, they really like what they have seen.
“Did they see him coming in and challenging for number one this summer? I am not convinced they did.
“But it was told to me they have to trust their own eyes, they trust their scouts with this.
“However, like the fan base the club’s football department are split – there was a number of them who wanted Martinez. It’s a gamble not going for Martinez or indeed Donnarumma.”
Emiliano Martinez plays a pass while in green Argentina goalkeeper kit.
Photo by JAVIER TORRES/AFP via Getty Images
Emiliano Martinez ‘gutted’ to miss out on move
Emiliano Martinez links had gathered pace heading into deadline day, and at one stage it appeared United could strike a swap deal for him and Jadon Sancho. Bailey explained that the Argentina international was devastated to miss out on the move.
He said: “I think they should have done Lammens and Martinez, cleared the whole goalkeeper department out.
“Martinez really wanted this move, he is gutted from what I am told – he loves Villa, of course he does but players in South America love Man United – to join them is something special.
“But United left it late, I think the deal could have been done but it was expensive.”
Jadon Sancho leaves on loan
Jadon Sancho’s loan move to Aston Villa went through, after United In Focus revealed their interest in signing him back in June.
“I don’t think we ever see him in a United shirt, which I am sure will please most United fans.
“It took long because Sancho kept on rejecting moves. Let’s not forget at the start of the summer – Sancho said not to Chelsea as he wouldn’t drop his wages.
“We then saw Napoli and Juventus fail to happen for similar reasons.
“Now Sancho has moved on-loan, it is not ideal for United but the wages are being covered.
“United also still have the option to extend, could they use it if he plays well – it is possible but not to bring him back but to sell for as much as they can get back.”
Conor Gallagher tries to keep the ball in play for Atletico Madrid
Photo by Maria Gracia Jimenez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Manchester United enquired about Conor Gallagher
There was some surprise Manchester United did not sign a midfielder, despite interest in Carlos Baleba. It can be revealed that United did enquire with Atletico Madrid over a possible move for Conor Gallagher.
Bailey explained: “With this new system we have seen that the biggest issue is finding a place for Bruno Fernandes because he is being played as an 8 – they need that domineering no 6 rather than playing a double pivot.
“Casemiro can no longer play that role. We know they liked Carlos Baleba and still do, we know that Ruben Amorim likes Morten Hjulmand – but it just didn’t happen.
“I can confirm that United were one of the teams to have asked about Conor Gallagher in recent days – he would be an interesting option – that didn’t happen but let’s keep an eye on that for January.”
Kobbie Mainoo warming up for Manchester United in pre-season.
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Kobbie Mainoo contract talks could be revived
With Manchester United holding firm to keep Kobbie Mainoo at the club, we asked if United could revive contract talks with the young midfielder. Bailey says he expects this will happen, but relations between club and player might need to be repaired.
He explained: “I do [believe contract talks will be revisited], but I am still shocked by how United have treated Mainoo – I think it is really, really poor.
“And let me say why – this is a United product who has come through, made his England debut and scored the winner in the FA Cup final, but since then he has not had a new deal – he is one of the lowest paid members of their squad, that is not acceptable.
“He was promised a new deal last year and again this summer.
“Mainoo loves United but do the club love him, I am not sure – one of the first things they should be going once this window shuts is tying him down to a new deal.”
Benjamin Sesko runs, playing for Manchester United
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‘Benjamin Sesko has the most to prove’
Among Manchester United’s new signings, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have Premier League experience, and it’s clear Benjamin Sesko will have to win people over.
Bailey gave his view: “I think Mbeumo and Cunha were planned and focused – whereas I think Sesko was too reactionary, they reacted to that deal as he was available.
“I like Sesko but I really do think that one was a huge risk – a bit like the goalkeeper situation I think they should have gone for tried and tested like a Victor Osimhen.
“But I really hope Sesko does well, and hope he soon gets his chance – I think he will after the international break.”
Diego Leon is making a good impression
Regarding Manchester United’s low-key signing of Diego Leon, Bailey explains that the Paraguayan has made a good early impression.
He explained: “I am only hearing good things – but with Dalot playing both sides they are clearly taking their time to bring him in but the fact they haven’t loaned him out, like we have seen Harry Amass going, it tells us they like him.”
Ruben Amorim clapping in front of the Stretford End
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Ineos are fully behind Ruben Amorim
Amid a mixed start to the season for Ruben Amorim, it is clear from the backing he has received that Ineos are fully behind him. Bailey says that the head coach has received some unfair stick, and his job appears secure.
He said: “They love him as a person and are fully on board with the Amorim project. And they have to be.
“Whilst not a perfect start there have been some good things, going forward they do look a threat – I don’t think it is really a consideration about his future.
“Amorim speaks his mind, and he does sort of get misquoted to an extent but he is just an open and likeable character, which I don’t think we should criticise.”
Goalkeeper exits on the agenda
With Senne Lammens coming in, it is still possible one of Manchester United’s goalkeepers leave the club, with transfer windows still open in Turkey and Saudi Arabia, among others.
He said: “For sure – we know that United have already told Onana they were willing to allow Onana to go on loan if Emi Martinez came in.
“I think Onana is more likely, we know that Amorim as it stands prefers Bayindir.
“I could still see Onana move to Turkey – Galatasaray do still want a number one and that looks a good fit.”
Tyrell Malacia playing for Manchester United.
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Solution for Tyrell Malacia could still be found
Another player with an unclear future is the final member of the ‘bomb squad’ left at Carrington, Tyrell Malacia. Bailey says work will be ongoing to find him a new club.
“That is the plan for sure – there are still a few windows open – I am told one to watch might be United’s sister Ineos club Lausanne, but there are a few options for him.”
Manchester United positioned for a top six finish
Bailey believes Manchester United’s transfer business leaves the club in a far better position than last season, and believes a top six finish is on the agenda this season.
“There is no doubt at all United are in a better place – they now have a squad that generally is able to play the formation that Ruben Amorim wants.
“It is hard but I don’t think we should judge Amorim on last season – this season is the first time he has the team he wants. It is not an easy system to play, we know that but there are signs of progression.
“In terms of where they finish, as I have said I think Bruno is a problem, he doesn’t fit and I have never been convinced about him being captain.
“But I would say a top six finish is likely.”