3 reasons why Manchester United could be frustrated in the transfer market this summer

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Torrid campaign
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - Torrid campaign

Manchester United had a torrid 2018-19 season. The team could barely put on a decent performance even when facing the lower-table Premier League sides. The back to back losses to Wolves in the space of three weeks summarised just how unadaptable the team had become. Now that the season is over, the big question remains - just how will the team rebuild?

The obvious changes that need to be made are the playing staff. Some club legends such as Gary Neville have openly criticised the club and want to see imminent development. There have also been reports of the club talking to several candidates who could fill the void as sporting director. This will leave Ed Woodward out of transfer and player business, as he has shown poor judgement in making football related decisions.

Certainly, the club has the financial muscle to lure most of the top talent in world football, but that alone may not be enough as they brace for a long and potentially frustrating time in the transfer market.


#3 Suitable exit strategy

Ole would love to offload Sanchez and Lukaku but at what cost?
Ole would love to offload Sanchez and Lukaku but at what cost?

Several top stars at the club have failed to live up to expectations. Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku lead that line. Ole will be frustrated when it comes to selling these players for several reasons.

In Sanchez's case, his astronomical wage is the biggest stumbling block. They may not find a suitable team that would be willing to match those demands.

In Lukaku's case, they may have to sell him at a loss given his dipped form this season. Not many clubs will fork out Manchester United's valuation. Other players such as Phil Jones and Matteo Darmian might not fetch a lot. The problem is finding a buyer at a decent price for them.

#2 Ed Woodward

Woodward was villain #1 when he failed to back Jose Mourinho in the transfer market
Woodward was villain #1 when he failed to back Jose Mourinho in the transfer market

The United executive vice chairman has been blamed in the past for the team's poor transfer dealings. He has been seen to fancy the club's financial stability above actual football related progress.

Yes, it was reported that Ole would get a transfer kitty of over £200 million. That may only be enough to bring in three or four quality players to United against Ole's target of five or six players. Woodward may again decide to crack the whip as he did with Jose Mourinho.


#1 No Champions League

Messi took Manchester United to school in the Champions League
Messi took Manchester United to school in the Champions League

It is no secret that the allure of playing in the UCL appeals to players who want to move. United's lack of Champions League football could cost them in the transfer market.

Target players such as Ajax captain, Matthijs de Ligt, could fancy Barcelona over United. Most of United's other targets have played in the most elite European competition and moving to United next season would be a step-down, and that may influence their decision-making process.

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Edited by Anthony Akatugba Jr.