Kolkata: Ralf Rangnick’s first transfer window as the Manchester United gaffer went quiet as the team didn’t sign any players in January for the first time since 2019.
This transfer window was not a total loss for the Reds as they managed to trim down their bloated squad of 29 players but the absence of players like Anthony Martial and Donny Van de Beek may pose some discomfort for the coach in the coming match days.
Their five outgoings in this window were all loan deals. Antony Martial decided to make his debut in La Liga with Sevilla who are pretty much the only threat to Real Madrid’s league win this season while Van de Beek was a request from the new Everton coach Frank Lampard.
New Chapter @SevillaFC pic.twitter.com/v9PD4pHdTC
— Anthony Martial (@AnthonyMartial) January 25, 2022
Manchester United’s transitional phase has been going on for far too long and it seems like the end is still pretty far. They were already lacking reinforcement in the central midfield under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, still, nothing was done in this window to fill that gap.
The likes of Declan Rice, Amadou Haidara might be on the list for the summer but Manchester United is already in a fierce fight for a Champions League spot with West Ham and Arsenal. It will not be easy for them to hold that fourth spot.
ℹ️ Donny van de Beek has joined Everton on loan for the rest of 2021/22. #MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 31, 2022
The Norwegian seems to be taking a one-day at a time approach, their immediate goal of qualifying for the UEFA champions league is all he focuses on, and based on their results, he will rope in players in the summer transfer window. The slimming down of the squad could possibly be to simplify the starting lineups for Rangnick.
Lingard had a very whirlwind transfer window that ended with him being a part of the team that refused to give him a start in the league since January of 2020. But things might change soon as Van de Beek and Amad along with Martial are out on loan with Mason Greenwood out until further notice. With only 5 months remaining on his contract, it will be interesting to see what his future holds and how he fits into the plan of the coach.
Manchester United want to keep Jesse Lingard at the club. NO deal, NO chance. They’re not accepting Newcastle approaches, the position on club side is clear 🔴 #MUFC
Lingard’s disappointed as he wanted to go but club not open to negotiate with Newcastle or West Ham. #DeadlineDay pic.twitter.com/JXhZbbLaIn
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 31, 2022
United rarely takes such a calm and collected approach in transfer windows. With Ed Woodward handing over the Baton to Richard Arnold as early as April, composed and long-term investments in the transfer window might be on the horizon for them.
