Manchester United Racing Against Clock to Seal Four Last-Minute Transfer Deals
The summer transfer window is approaching its conclusion, but Manchester United find themselves racing against time to finalize several last-minute transactions.
Although the club has invested heavily in high-profile attacking additions, significant work remains on the departures side. There could even be one more arrival. While the midfield and defensive units have faced harsh criticism since the campaign started, the Red Devils have identified their priority area before the window shuts.
Here are the Transfer Deadline Day moves Manchester United are expected to finalize.
Senne Lammens
With both goalkeeping and midfield positions requiring improvements this summer, Manchester United has chosen to strengthen the former through the anticipated acquisition of Senne Lammens.
The 23-year-old Belgian goalkeeper appears destined to join the Red Devils on deadline day as André Onana and Altay Bayındır continue their struggles between the posts. Will Lammens prove to be the long-term solution and rightful heir to David de Gea's legacy? Only time will reveal the answer, but it's clear that Ruben Amorim remains unsatisfied with what he's witnessed during his brief tenure at Old Trafford.
Onana was absent for most of preseason due to injury while Bayındır and 39-year-old Tom Heaton featured in the Premier League Summer Series. When the season commenced, the Turkish backup was named in the starting lineup while Onana was not. Bayındır has subsequently started all three Premier League matches this season while Onana made his seasonal bow in the Carabao Cup second round.
Another error in that match has left Onana in the past for many supporters. A challenging examination awaits the young keeper.
Jadon Sancho
You're reading correctly. Another temporary move for Jadon Sancho, this time to Aston Villa!
Sancho appeared certain to become a Chelsea player after an impressive start to last season on loan under Enzo Maresca, yet the Blues decided to abandon the deal despite having a purchase obligation included. The winger subsequently rejected a transfer to Roma and resisted a serious bid from Beşiktaş.
Currently, it appears Sancho will spend another campaign on loan. This time, working under Unai Emery at Villa Park where Marcus Rashford spent the latter portion of last season. Similar to Alejandro Garnacho and Antony, Sancho has struggled to establish himself at Manchester United and has clashed with several managers.
If the transfer materializes, Sancho would complete his final contracted year at Manchester United while playing elsewhere. However, the club retains an option to extend his deal for an additional season.
Antony
Another of Erik ten Hag's preferred players appears ready to depart this summer by returning to Real Betis. This occasion, however, involves a permanent transfer which should please all parties concerned.
The Brazilian winger represents another entry in Manchester United's extensive list of unsuccessful signings this decade. Acquired from Ajax under Ten Hag, Antony faced severe criticism for his underwhelming displays in United colors. Then, like a bird reborn from flames, the 25-year-old experienced a remarkable revival at Los Verdiblancos last season following a January loan switch. Heartfelt moments after the campaign's end clearly indicated Antony's desire to remain in Seville.
His wish is being granted as a deal is reportedly nearing completion. However, it comes with considerable financial implications.
Betis will reportedly pay €25 million (£21.6 million, $29.2 million) with a 50% sell-on clause included. His original transfer to Manchester United from Ajax? An initial €95 million plus another €5 million in bonuses. Quite a substantial loss indeed.
Rasmus Højlund
Once Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were connected with potential moves to Manchester United this summer, it seemed inevitable that Rasmus Højlund's future lay elsewhere from Old Trafford.
The acquisition of Benjamin Šeško only intensified those expectations.
The Danish striker never established his rhythm at Manchester United despite achieving double figures (10) in his inaugural Premier League campaign. Joshua Zirkzee's arrival further complicated the situation as Ten Hag sought his perfect frontman. When Amorim arrived and the goals stopped flowing, it became evident that Manchester United required a change in attack. Not entirely due to the 22-year-old's fault, as he remains young with considerable promise. Rather, because Manchester United cannot afford another 15th-place finish and needs reliable goal threats. At least, if Amorim wishes to retain his position. A role he occasionally considers abandoning.
For Højlund, he appears destined for Napoli and Serie A. Perhaps returning to Italy will offer a more consistent environment, but he'll also work under Antonio Conte—the manager who restored the Scudetto to Naples and transformed Scott McTominay into an apparent superstar.
Additionally, Kevin De Bruyne should be supplying him with chances. Not an unfavorable result for everyone involved.