Manchester United’s lack of activity in the summer transfer market so far may land them in bigger problems. United are yet to make a signing under their new manager Erik ten Hag. Moreover, despite the Dutchman arriving earlier than expected to take over his new role, the club hasn’t made any significant move. As a result, United’s superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly unhappy with the club’s failure in the market. Ronaldo now joins the Red Devils’ fans who also have shown their disappointment over the lack of signings.
Manchester United have so far released a number of players ahead of the next season. Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, and Jesse Lingard all have left the club. Furthermore, United are staring at more exits with Marcus Rashford, Dean Henderson, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka facing an uncertain future at the club. Amidst such a situation, United’s next big name to leave the club could be Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward is already disappointed with the club’s performance last season, and the lack of new signings has only added to it.
Ronaldo ‘concerned’ over United’s transfer strategy
Cristiano Ronaldo returned to Manchester United last summer from Juventus for a fee of £20 million. The striker had made it clear that he wants to win trophies with the club and nothing less than that. However, United’s trophy drought continues despite Ronaldo being back in their team. The Red Devils are yet to win a silverware since 2017. Moreover, after the lucrative signings of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, and Jadon Sancho arrived last summer, it was expected that United would finally win silverware. But even Ronaldo’s 18 goals in the Premier League couldn’t save United from finishing sixth and missing out on the Champions League.
However, United are receiving no breakthrough in the pursuit of their transfer targets this summer. The Red Devils are still negotiating for Ten Hag’s priority signing Frenkie de Jong with Barcelona. Ajax’s Justin Timber and Antony are also on the list but no progress has taken place in either deal. Furthermore, United’s plans to buy a strike partner for Ronaldo have taken them to Italy. The 20-time Premier League champions now want Roma striker Tammy Abraham. But United are yet to make an official approach for the former Chelsea player.
Rivals ahead of United in the transfer market
According to a report from AS, Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘concerned by Manchester United’s transfer strategy’ for this summer. Moreover, the forward feels United’s rivals are pulling ahead of them in conducting business in the market. He may have got a point there since all of the ‘big six’ except United have made new signings since the summer transfer window officially opened. Their biggest rivals Manchester City have acquired one of the hottest prospects Erling Haaland, whom United pursued as well.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have signed Benfica’s Darwin Nunez who scored a staggering 34 goals last season. United missed out on Nunez after their failure in negotiations with Benfica as well as the player. This has further enraged United’s fans who have Ronaldo by their side as well. On the other hand, North Londoners Arsenal and Tottenham have also concluded a couple of deals. Tottenham welcomed Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma, while Arsenal signed Brazilian teenager Marquinhos and Fabio Vieira.
Only Chelsea remains with United who haven’t signed a player yet. However, the Blues’ takeover process and sanctions barred them from making any move. Nonetheless, United’s recruitment team needs to work faster if they are to avoid losing Ronaldo for a second time.
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