AT the time it looked like an opportunistic move that showed United were becoming fleet of foot in the transfer market, but the reality has been rather different.
When Real Madrid failed to find the funds to progress a deal with Ajax for Donny van de Beek in the Covid transfer window of 2020, the Reds quickly stepped in to strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s midfield.
It was a transfer that progressed smoothly and went under the radar and at £35m it looked like a bargain.
Van de Beek had been of interest to United previously. In January 2020 he was shortlisted as a potential attacking midfield signing, but it was Bruno Fernandes who was top of that list.
When Covid struck budgets became an issue and in the summer 2020 window United tried to set up deals for Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Jadon Sancho, only to settle for Van de Beek when all proved unattainable.
Borussia Dortmund demanded £108m for Sancho, while Villa’s Premier League survival on the final day made a move for Grealish more difficult.
Maddison signed a new contract at Leicester when it looked like United were looking elsewhere.
Bu hikaye Manchester Evening News dergisinin July 11, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Manchester Evening News dergisinin July 11, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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