Good Transfer Window For Manchester United

The Manchester United rebuild is only just beginning, but in truth this has been just about as good a transfer window that we could have possibly imagined.

The sheer amount of work done to clear the decks, balance the books, and still significantly strengthen the squad despite spending restrictions and competition for players with clubs currently better positioned than ourselves has been absolutely top class.

Then when we consider that they haven’t even got their feet under the table yet. They had limited time with the right people in place to plan for this summer.

You just know that when the window slams shut that they will start planning for next summer. They will have 10 months to assess the squad, scout players, shortlist targets, speak with agents and get things lined up, plan departures, consider pathways for academy players (be that well considered loans or clearing a path into the first team squad) .

I’m backing the manager to succeed, but if he doesn’t then they will also be considering succession planning for the manager and coaching team. Meaning that in the worst case scenario they are well prepared to navigate it without making rash decisions. They won’t be sacking a manager then scrambling around for an interim manager while they just start the process of assessing long term options.

They will already be assessing other managerial candidates, keeping tabs on them and building up profiles.

I don’t think RvN was hired with the thought of him being an interim manager down the line. But him along with Rene Hake have both been managers in their own right and either of them would be well placed to step in on a short term basis if needed.

In terms of the squad there are still clear areas of weakness that need addressing.

In defence left back is an obvious one, Shaw’s injuries and age mean he needs replacing sooner rather than later, while Malacia hasn’t shown himself to be good enough to be a genuine starter. Young Harry Amass looks promising, but he might be a few years away from being good enough to be a regular starter, and that’s only if he makes good on his potential.

Left sided CB is another area that could do with strengthening, Martinez has the position locked down when fit. But he’s had a fair amount of time out injured while with us. Maybe that is the exception, or maybe his all action style of play in a physical league might be too much for his body. Either way we need quality back up at the very least, maybe with potential to be a…