One month ago many thought of Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward as a genius after the capture of Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger on the same day, but things have seem to have taken a turn for the worse in recent weeks. After the end of last season it was clear that Manchester United needed an experienced central defender urgently to solidify a shaky defense and with the summer exit of Rademal Falcao and Robin Van Persie, a backup for Wayne Rooney also became a priority.
There was a genuine interest to bring Sergio Ramos to United from Madrid, but Ramos put a lid on all the rumours by signing a new deal with Real Madrid last week. On the other end of the pitch, United were almost certain to sign Barcelona Forward Pedro before Chelsea beat United to land Pedro for £21 million. Though United were smart as they completed most of their transfer deals early in the transfer window, they managed to bring in Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian and Sergio Romero along with Schneiderlin and Schweinsteiger.
If United are to mount a serious title challenge there is no doubt they need an experienced defender and a world class striker before the transfer window shuts on September 01. Having recorded back to back wins in the English Premier League and a win in the first leg of the Champions League play-off, the mood around Manchester is filled with optimism. One problem which clubs like Arsenal and United are facing is that there is suddenly a dearth of world class strikers available in Europe right now.
After the failure to sign Pedro, Van Gaal is most likely to turn his attention to Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller. The reports in Germany suggest that United have already made a £60-million bid. Muller has always been amongst the goals throughout the season, last season he netted 13 times in the Bundesliga. Right now the only cover for Rooney is the youngster James Wilson and out of favour Javier Hernandez. Rooney himself has struggled upfront all alone and requires a partner to play the ball too. United must move quickly, with less than two weeks of the summer transfer window remaining.
United have Phil Jones injured right now, which leaves them very short at the back, though Daley Blind and Chris Smalling have formed a solid partnership during the first two league games but they would have wanted a big player along the lines of Ramos or Nicolas Otamendi.
United’s success this season could depend hugely on how well they do in the transfer window in the next two weeks. Rooney urgently requires an able striking partner to express himself fully on the field and after losing Pedro to Chelsea from right under their noses, Woodward would want to make a statement come September 1st.