Grading the summer transfer window: Manchester United

Manchester United won their first three Premier League games heading into the international break, scoring ten goals without reply. Jose Mourinho's side look dominant, flexible and in control at the moment. While one can attribute it to Mourinho's second season syndrome, when he usually builds a title-winning side, the summer transfers were definitely pivotal.

Although United had a calmer transfer deadline day compared to their rivals, it is because the Red Devils finished their transfer business earlier in the window. Each of the signings that were made strengthened a key position in the team and the effect is already there for all to see.

Meanwhile, there were a few departures as well, but nothing as significant to hurt the team. Without further ado, here are the grades for Manchester United's summer transfer window.

---

Ins

Zlatan Ibrahimovic - The return

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be fit for the second half of the season.

Ibrahimovic was one of the biggest reasons behind several Manchester United victories last season. The well-travelled and supremely successful Swede joined on a free transfer in the summer of 2016 and scored 28 goals across all competitions for United. However, a knee injury in April ended his season early and there were doubts whether United would offer a new deal as his contract expired in June.

After news broke out that talks were ongoing, the Red Devils finally re-signed Ibrahimovic for another year. The 35-year old is expected to get fit for the second half of the season and provides much-needed experience on the attacking front.

The new Manchester United no.10 is the right mentor for the strikers at the club, both in terms of performances and attitude. Thus, he is a good presence for Mourinho in the dressing room and opens our rankings list.

Grade - 8/10

Victor Lindelof - Bailly's new partner

Victor Lindelof is expected to resolve United's centre-back woes

One of the top requirements heading into this summer for United was a proper centre-back. Eric Bailly had a good first season at Old Trafford but none of his defensive partners in Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Marcos Rojo evoked confidence and class on a regular basis. Thus, Mourinho went ahead and signed Portuguese champions SL Benfica's Victor Lindelof for £31.5 million.

The 23-year old is a ball-playing centre-back and has the attributes to become a defensive rock in United's side. While he is a little rough around the edges, Lindelof will benefit massively from Mourinho's presence and is expected to become the main defensive partner of Bailly.

Further, the Swede won the Primeira Liga with Benfica for the last three years and lifted the U21 European Championship in 2015. Thus, he already possesses the winning mentality, a much-needed trait at Manchester United.

Lindelof has some distance to go before delivering for United unlike the players ahead of him on this list. Hence, he is third in the summer transfer rankings.

Grade - 7/10

Romelu Lukaku - The best signing

Romelu Lukaku's potential is frightening

In the previous season, barring Zlatan Ibrahimovic's exploits, United struggled to score goals. The likes of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial could not provide the necessary threat for Mourinho's side and they ended many a match in draws rather than wins.

In such a scenario, signing Lukaku for £76 million from Everton is a brilliant move. The Belgian is a proven goalscorer throughout his career as well as in the Premier League (over 80 goals). Further, he is a typical Mourinho striker who can hold the ball well, is strong in the air and knows where the goal is.

At 24 years of age, Lukaku's potential is frightening and he can easily become the best striker in the world in the next few years. Wayne Rooney going the other way to Everton as a part of the deal was a win-win for all parties too. Thus, the stage is set for the former Chelsea player to perform and for United to reap the rewards.

Finally, the return of Ibrahimovic later in the season will provide Lukaku with the right mentor. The only reason this signing does not top the rankings is because of the overall effect of the next player.

Grade - 8.5/10

Nemanja Matic - The key

Nemanja Matic is the signing of the summer for Manchester United

Nemanja Matic is Manchester United's best signing this summer by a mile. At 29 years of age, paying £40 million can seem a bit too much for a player who does not have too many peak years ahead of him. Nevertheless, his presence improves and unlocks many aspects of the team.

Matic is the perfect defensive shield for the side who allows for the team to attack with more freedom. The biggest benefactor from the Serb's arrival is Paul Pogba as he now has the license to play a free role and dominate games. Further, Matic is the perfect Mourinho player with a strong defensive side to his game. The Portuguese manager signed him during his time at Chelsea as well.

The 29-year old won two league titles at Chelsea and brings in that winning experience. Finally, his game awareness, intelligence, and technical ability put him a rung above the regular holding midfielder and adds an extra dimension to the entire side. Also, buying directly from a rival is a psychological victory for the Red Devils.

Thus, Matic is very likely the final and most important piece of the puzzle for Mourinho's United and therefore, he is undoubtedly their signing of the summer.

Grade - 9/10

Outs

Wayne Rooney - Au Revoir

Everton Unveil New Signing Wayne Rooney

After 559 games, 253 goals, 5 PL titles, one Champions League, Europa League and FA Cup, Wayne Rooney returned to boyhood club Everton in this transfer window. The 13-year stint saw Rooney break a number of records and at 31, he no longer has a first-team spot in the new-look United.

Thus, it made absolute sense to include him as a part of the Lukaku deal making him and Everton happy as well. The Merseyside club got an experienced local boy who can help make up for the loss of Lukaku's goals. On the other hand, Rooney gets more game-time at his boyhood club.

Further, it helped reduce the transfer fee for Lukaku while reducing a major chunk of United's wage bill. Hence, this departure suits all parties.

Grade - 8/10

Adnan Januzaj - Failed experiment

Januzaj did not live up to his hype

When Januzaj signed for United in 2011, he was touted as one more gem of the emerging Belgian contingent. However, things did not pan out as expected with the Belgian failing to make the grade at Old Trafford.

His appearances dwindled over the years and he finally went out on two loan spells. The first one at Dortmund ended early due to lack of game-time while he failed to make his mark in the second one at Sunderland.

Finally, Januzaj was sold permanently this summer to Real Sociedad and United have a failed player off their books.

Grade - 8/10

The loan bunch

Fosu-Mensah has a great chance to develop at Crystal Palace

Several United players went out on loan with the likes of Andreas Pereira and Timothy Fosu-Mensah joining Valencia and Crystal Palace respectively. The loans are good moves for both youngsters to develop further before staking a claim in Mourinho's squad.

Further, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson secured a loan move to Leeds while keeper Sam Johnstone moved to Aston Villa on a temporary deal. Finally, 24-year old right-back Guillermo Varela joined Penarol on a season-long loan as he continues to struggle at Manchester United.

Thus, a few loan deals offer developmental opportunities while a few others guarantee game-time to the players. While one or two of these players can push for the first-team squad at United, the chances are slim for most at the moment.

Grade - 6/10

---

Thus, Manchester United dealt with quality over quantity over the summer. The incomings add quality and are needed as well. The outgoings consist of two players whose time at United came to an end while a few players moved out on loan.

Overall, the Red Devils possibly have the most-balanced and deepest squad and should be strong contenders for the title.

Final Grade - 9/10