After one win in five games to start the Premier League campaign, Manchester United have already turned their focus towards the January transfer window.
Unlike other top clubs around England’s top flight, INEOS’ investment didn’t stretch to absurd amounts in the summer. Instead, they chose to invest wisely – welcoming Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos for just over £150m to rebuild their entire midfield.
|
Nationality |
Previous Club |
Fee |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
Carlos Baleba |
Cameroon |
Brighton |
£70m |
|
Andrey Santos |
Brazil |
Chelsea |
£48m |
|
Youri Tielemans |
Belgium |
Aston Villa |
£35m |
|
Tynan Thompson |
England |
Tottenham |
£4m |
|
Karl Darlow |
England |
Leeds United |
Free |
On paper, it looked to be an intelligent move. It’s how Man United improved their frontline one year prior when Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha arrived and this time the focus was on their midfield.
This time around, however, it looks like they should have spread their budget to other areas. Having kept just one clean sheet so far this season, which came against Sabah in the Champions League, it’s becoming clear that United should have welcomed the left-back they were seeking as well as another centre-back.
Meanwhile, with Sesko yet to prove himself worthy of becoming a consistent starter under Michael Carrick, there’s an argument to be made that another forward should have arrived.
There’s always another chance in the transfer market, though, and the Red Devils must get January right. To that end, Jason Wilcox has already got his sights set on solving United’s striker problem with a player who knows exactly how to find the back of the net in the Premier League.
Man Utd hold talks to sign Mateta
As reported by TeamTalk, Man United have now held talks with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s representatives over a potential move in the January transfer window. The Frenchman’s camp approached those at Old Trafford as he looks to finally seal an exit away from Crystal Palace at the third time of asking.
The forward saw a move to AC Milan break down last year and then watched the same happen when Juventus came calling in the summer, as an ill-timed injury struck.
He’s not giving up, though, and Wilcox is now reportedly personally pushing to secure his signature for Man United as he seeks like-for-like competition for Sesko.
|
Jean-Philippe Mateta in the Premier League |
|
|---|---|
|
Games |
163 |
|
Goals |
50 |
|
Assists |
9 |
If Man United are looking for a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, then Mateta is their man. The 29-year-old scored 12 league goals last season, 14 in the season prior and 16 in the season before that. He has been undeniably consistent.
Celebrated as “one of the best forwards in the Premier League” by Wayne Rooney, Mateta’s big move could finally be on the horizon if Man United get their way in January.