Transfer Roundup- Manchester United

18 Yard Box has a look at the Red Devils and their transfer dealings

The transfer window is that time of the year when any player can be linked with or sold to any team in the world. The close of the transfer period has finally ended months of speculation as managers frantically attempted to add much needed reinforcements to their squad and some even changed the entire squad.

18 Yard Box focuses on Manchester United and the impact of their transfer dealing.

What they lacked last season

A new season brings new hope

After losing the Premier League crown on the last day of the season on goal difference, Manchester United needed to do some introspection and recharge the squad for the new season. United lacked a consistent, creative playmaker like David Silva for Man City as they found it difficult to create chances. Wayne Rooney was the heart and soul of the United team last season. Over dependence on the striker proved costly as United made an early exit from the Champions League. Patrice Evra has shown signs of slowing down and the man who played 90 minutes in all United games suddenly needed backup. The defence was in dire state as Rio Ferdinand looked nervy. The injuries also played their part as United dearly missed Darren Fletcher for most part of the last season.

Ins and Outs

IN: Robin van Persie (Arsenal, £22m), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund, £17m), Nick Powell (Crewe, £2.75 rising to £4m). 


OUT: Park Ji-Sung (QPR, £2.5m), Ritchie de Laet, Matthew James (Leicester, £2m combined), Febian Brandy (Walsall, free), Liam Jacob (Oldham, free), Paul Pogba (Juventus, free), Tomas Kuszczak (Brighton, free), Oliver Norwood (Huddersfield, free), Ben Amos (Hull City, loan), Reece Brown (Coventry, loan), John Cofie (Sheffield United, loan), Fabio Da Silva (QPR, loan), Sean McGinty (Oxford United, loan.) 


Released: Michael Owen, Joe Coll.

What they improved on

All seems well. But is it?

The team has addressed most of their squad concerns and gone on to sign the likes of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa to bolster their depleted squad with some attack-minded players. The introduction of Buttner from Vitesse Arnhem has strengthened the defense by providing Evra with reinforcements. Having carried an entire team on his shoulders, Van Persie is no stranger to the pressure of playing in the premier league at the highest level. Shinji Kagawa is a man who can make passes out of nowhere and outrun most other players in the world as he has shown in Germany. Nick Powell and Angelo Henriquez are also welcome additions to a squad which needed desperate changes.

What they still lack

Timeless legends! But how long will they continue?

United have got their creative midfielder but they could have signed another player who could give Sir Alex a choice. It seems the mystery of who will succeed Paul Scholes will continue for another season. United also lack a truely left-footed winger to replace the Welsh legend Ryan Giggs. Though they seem happy with signing Buttner, it is well known that Everton left-back Leighton Baines was United’s first preference for the spot. Buttner’s ability to adapt to life in the Premier League remains to be seen though. Another cause for concern is the ever growing injury list in the defense which saw Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Johnny Evans injured all at the same time. Its time United give their youth academy graduates a shot at the big league failing which more players might follow Pogba and Morrison out of Old Trafford.

Buy of the season- Robin Van Persie

Justified every penny spent on signing him

Without a doubt this title belongs to Dutch striker Robin van Persie who made the move to Manchester United from north Londoners Arsenal for a reported 24 million Pounds. Skeptics doubted the manager’s logic in signing a 29 year old, injury prone genius with absolutely no resale value. However, he has gone on to silence his critics with impressive displays against Fulham and Southampton. If he continues to stay in such good form and away from injuries he can propel United to the top of the table with assistance from Wayne Rooney and industrious Midfielder Shinji Kagawa.

Written By,
Pranav Shenoy

Pranav is an editor and writer for 18 Yard Box