Man United Must Act Quick to Address Transfer Needs After January Setback

 

Manchester United stare at a challenging second half of the 2024/25 season, with only four recognized attackers within its ranks, following its failure to secure Bayern Munich's Mathys Tel on a loan deal on deadline day.

The club showed interest in both Tel and Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku but was unable to strike a deal with either. United boss, Ruben Amorim, had been vocal about needing reinforcement in the attacking third. To his plea for help, no one came, thus starting the season with limited options on offense.

This further highlighted the issues of depth such as in a disappointing 1-0 United loss to Crystal Palace, which saw Amorim opt to start without a recognised striker. He admitted afterwards that the club was "trying everything" to strengthen before the window closed but only minor signings - Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven - were made in January.

The failure to land Mathys Tel was a bitter blow for United. After a rollercoaster negotiation process, they watched as Tottenham swooped in to secure the striker on loan with no option to buy at the end of the season.

With the benefit of hindsight, it is uncertain whether Tel would have solved United's attacking woes, but certainly the call to entrust a forward line to Alejandro Garnacho, Amad, Rasmus Højlund, and Joshua Zirkzee-never mind after letting go of Marcus Rashford and Antony-seems a serious mistake.

While United's management insisted that they wouldn't rush into a panic signing like they did with previous loans Odion Ighalo and Wout Weghorst, the failure to add a new striker in January points to a larger issue. It is reported that the club was saving its budget for the summer transfer window in order to spend longer-term.

The aftermath of the transfer window will surely inflame frustration among fans, and Amorim is expected to be similarly disappointed by the lack of movement. With the season hanging in the balance, United's main priority will now be a top-four finish to get into next season's Champions League, maybe via a Europa League run.

With the summer transfer window looming, United's decision-makers, including Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, must act now. The January failure to address pressing needs means that the next transfer window is crucial for the club's future ambitions. It's make-or-break time for Manchester United's leadership to turn things around.