Manchester United have struggled in the transfer market as of late, overspending massively on players who ultimately haven’t been at the level required for the Premier League.
Casemiro is one player that springs immediately to mind, costing a mammoth £70m from Spanish giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2022, with the Brazilian unable to provide the impact he would’ve wanted.
The 33-year-old has only started 13 league matches out of a possible 29, highlighting the lack of faith boss Ruben Amorim has in him to change the game in a positive manner.
Casemiro
His contract doesn’t expire until the summer of 2026, still having another year left until the hierarchy can move him on without having to pay out the rest of his deal - unless a side decides to purchase him this summer.
It’s safe to say the deal for the experienced talent has been a failure, with the manager needing to replicate similar deals in the future given the success of one signing.
Patrick Dorgu’s stats since joining United in January
Left-back Patrick Dorgu joined United in a £30m deal back in January, looking to finally end the torment endured in such a position over the last few years.
Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia have been the senior options in recent years, but both have massively struggled with injuries, restricting their first-team action at Old Trafford.
Dorgu-1
However, the Dane has wasted no time in impressing in the North West, winning 2.4 tackles per 90 along with 9.3 duels won across his first three Premier League outings.
The 20-year-old had also won an average of 4.1 fouls per 90, whilst also averaging 2.8 touches in the opposition area per game - having a real positive impact at both ends of the pitch.
Given his tender age, he’s only going to improve further, but despite his big-money move to Manchester, he’s still valued less than one other first-team member who’s thrived since Amorim’s appointment.
The United player who’s worth more than Dorgu
Since the arrival of the 40-year-old back in November, numerous players have staked their claim for a regular starting role, taking their performance levels up a notch under Amorim.
Bruno Fernandes has always been the most influential player in the current first-team, but the Portuguese international has excelled in recent outings, notching five goals and two assists in his last three outings for the Red Devils.
Bruno Fernandes celebrates for Manchester United
Winger Amad Diallo was another player who could be put into that category, nailing his starting place down in the first-team, before his recent ankle injury ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
The Ivorian has had to bide his time at United, being sent on multiple loan spells to the likes of Sunderland and Rangers, before having his opportunity to shine this season.
Amad, who’s previously been labelled “sensational” by journalist Daniel Hussey, has registered 11 combined goals and assists since the former Sporting CP boss took the reins, starring on the right-hand side of his 3-4-2-1 system.
Arguably his best moments of the season came against local rivals Manchester City, scoring the winning goal at the Etihad, whilst also netting a hat-trick over Southampton back in January.
Amad Diallo's PL stats for Man Utd in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Chances created
Successful dribbles
Shots taken
Tackles won
Stats via FotMob
As a result of his consistent showings before his ankle issue, the 22-year-old has seen a sharp increase in his market value, now worth £33.5m according to Transfermarkt.
His subsequent value is higher than that of full-back Dorgu, who’s only valued at £21m just a couple of months after his own big-money move to the club.
It’s evident, given the performance levels and age of the aforementioned talents, that they will be the stars of United for many years to come, hopefully leading the side back to Premier League success.
If the club are to return to their previous heights, Amorim desperately needs to replicate such business and identify players like Dorgu and Amad to push the Red Devils back in the right direction.
David-Beckham-Man-United Related
Man Utd thought they had their new Beckham, but Ten Hag sold him for £9m
Manchester United certainly made a mistake selling a player who could've been their next David Beckham.