The doom-tellers around Manchester United have quietened down a bit after a string of positive results and performances but the sight of the big picture shouldn’t be lost.
This is still a team 13th in the table, on course for its worst-ever Premier League finish, and generally assembled as a mishmash of various identities.
The upcoming summer window figures to be a crucial one for Man Utd and Ruben Amorim as it’s the first one under the new manager with the executive team settled.
They need all the help they can get as they start a proper rebuild, and the club keeping its promise with two players has ensured they will have a crucial edge in the window.
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Ruben Amorim keeps the promise with two players
Man Utd’s record in the transfer window when the Glazers were at the helm hasn’t been much to write about, to put it kindly.
The reality was recently laid bare on just one front by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s admission of Utd paying £89 million for players already at the club for a few years (installments).
However, Ineos have not just attacked the window with clarity of thought, but done so on their own terms, even if it means taking a bit of risk.
The risk of the summer window was Chido Obi, who left Arsenal for United despite being coveted all over Europe.
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The risk of the winter window was Ayden Heaven, again leaving Arsenal and joining United as a first-team player straightaway, against all expectations.
Fast-forward to March and both have been vindicated in their decision to join Old Trafford as they’ve made first-team debuts and become established, first-team members.
United promised these two that their career would take off sooner if they joined the club, despite being at a more successful and stable club at the moment. They’ve kept their promise despite a season of upheaval.
Chido Obi and Ayden Heaven give Utd transfer edge
Ineos are expected to continue hunting in the youth market for first-team signing, aligning with Ratcliffe’s philosophy of finding the next Kylian Mbappe instead of frothing over the established one.
When they talk to prospective targets, say, somebody like Chris Rigg, who has all of Europe vying for his signature, they will do so from a position of strength.
While other clubs make promises about the player’s trajectory, United will have cold, hard facts and examples in the form of Obi and Heaven, two players who took the plunge and came out the other side vastly better.
Any young player wanted by United and other clubs will know United is not just doing lip service by hyping him up.
If United tell a young player he’ll be given first-team chances, regardless of his age or previous experience, it’s a guarantee that they will do it.
That can make all the difference in a race where everyone is battling to get their hands on the next big thing.