Man United’s managerial mix-up caused three January transfer targets to be missed | Football | Sport
Manchester United’s managerial situation meant they reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Julian Alvarez, Denis Zakaria and Boubacar Kamara during the January transfer window. The Red Devils were apparently reluctant to splash the cash before they have decided who their manager will be next season.
United appointed Ralf Rangnick as their interim boss in November after they had sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Solskjaer had been unable to reverse the team’s poor run of form, with a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of strugglers Watford proving to be the final straw for the Norwegian.
Rangnick was brought in until the end of the campaign but is set to make way for a new manager in the summer and move into a behind-the-scenes consultancy role.
And the situation meant United chose to be conservative on the transfer front last month, despite having opportunities to bolster their squad.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the 13-times Premier League champions were offered the chance to sign Argentine wonderkid Alvarez from River Plate, but decided not to.
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Meanwhile, Donny van de Beek and Anthony Martial departed the club to begin loan spells with Everton and Sevilla respectively – but the Red Devils also decided not to include any buy options due to their managerial situation.
The departures could leave United short of quality after their lack of incoming transfers.
But Rangnick will be desperately hoping his team still have enough star players to secure a top-four finish.
United are currently fourth in the Premier League table but find themselves nine points behind third-placed Chelsea.
And the battle for the final Champions League spot is set to be a competitive affair, with West Ham, Arsenal, Tottenham and Wolves all within touching distance of the Red Devils.
The Gunners are just two points behind their north west rivals but have a game in hand, while Spurs are level with Arsenal and have played two games fewer than United.
Premier League clubs are enjoying a winter break but are set to be back in action this weekend in the FA Cup.
And the so-called big six are set to return to league action next week courtesy of a rare midweek round of matches.
