Manchester United Transfer Window Verdict and January Plans Unpacked | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Transfer Window Judged: Success, Failure or Work in Progress?

Manchester United’s latest transfer window closed with more questions than answers. Supporters, journalists and neutrals alike are debating whether this was the reset moment promised, or simply another reshuffle that leaves as many gaps as it fills.

According to The Athletic, United’s leadership remain happy with their summer business. That is unsurprising, but the early signs are encouraging. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already shown glimpses that they can add much-needed firepower to an attack that scored only 44 Premier League goals last season, the club’s lowest tally of the post-1992 era.

Fresh Faces and Departures

Ruben Amorim has high hopes for Benjamin Sesko, even if the striker has yet to start in the league. “He will lead United’s line for years to come,” Amorim said in the early weeks of the season. The deadline-day signing of 23-year-old goalkeeper Senne Lammens also provides intrigue. His arrival coincided with Andre Onana agreeing to join Trabzonspor on loan, where The Athletic reports he will earn nearly double his current salary.

United were equally active on outgoings. Four of the so-called “bomb squad” departed, with Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho and Antony all leaving. Garnacho’s £40 million move to Chelsea was a record for a United academy product, although it could have been higher had the club not been desperate to sell. Antony’s €25m switch was also below market expectations after a strong loan spell at Real Betis. Rashford and Sancho only left on temporary deals, meaning further decisions will be needed next summer.

Amorim’s Assessment

Amorim has publicly backed the club’s business. While yet to comment in detail on Lammens, he has been fulsome in praise of Mbeumo and Cunha. “They are improving us on and off the pitch,” he said. Sesko’s work ethic has also been highlighted as exemplary.

Privately, it is known Amorim wanted a dynamic midfielder, but priorities shifted. When asked pre-season, he insisted, “I’m really happy with our players. They’re working well; we have different players for that position. We are prepared to win any game with our players.”

January Targets and Financial Firepower

Midfield remains the obvious gap. Talks were held with intermediaries for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but the south-coast club insisted he would not leave this summer. United may revive that pursuit in January, but they face a choice: wait for their preferred target or move for a more immediate option.

Despite expectations of reduced spending, United committed £215.8m in fees, more than in previous summers. A strategy shift followed meetings between Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox in Iceland, according to The Athletic. Upcoming financial results will provide clarity on how this was financed, and crucially, whether there is scope for more reinforcements in the new year.

Onana’s Exit and Goalkeeper Question

The Onana situation is a symbol of the turbulence at Old Trafford. Signed to modernise United’s style, his time will be remembered for the gap between promise and reality. “At United he often reflected the mood around him rather than steadying it,” The Athletic wrote. That lack of authority left Amorim to turn to other options, with Lammens now challenged to deliver the stability Onana could not.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Manchester United supporter’s perspective, this window feels incomplete. Yes, Cunha and Mbeumo should add goals, and Sesko looks like one for the future, but the midfield hole remains glaring. We have needed a strong, athletic central midfielder for years, yet once again that position was overlooked.

It is worrying to see Garnacho sold to Chelsea. He was one of our brightest academy prospects and letting him go, even for a record fee, feels like strengthening a direct rival. Rashford and Sancho leaving on loan leaves us short of experienced options out wide if injuries strike.

The Onana saga also highlights the instability that continues to plague the club. He was meant to be the long-term solution after David de Gea, yet only a year later he is gone on loan. That does not inspire confidence in the club’s planning. Lammens may develop into a quality keeper, but asking him to start in a Manchester derby so soon would be a huge gamble.

As for Ruben Amorim, his words are encouraging but fans know he wanted a midfielder. We can only hope that January brings a proper push for Baleba or someone of similar quality. Until then, United remain reliant on makeshift solutions in midfield, which risks undoing the progress made elsewhere.