Manchester United historically haven’t been big players in the January transfer window and the 2015 winter window was no different.
Ed Woodward had warned well in advance that the club would only go for its primary targets in the January window, but since clubs are reluctant to let go of their players mid-season it seems that any incoming movement at Old Trafford was unlikely.
The only incoming addition to the first team squad was wrapped up early in the window and predictably it was ex-Barcelona goalkeeper who had been training with United for a few months – Victor Valdes. Valdes has previously been a thorn in United’s side, when he was in goal for the two Champions League finals that United lost to Barcelona in Rome & London. He brings with himself a wealth of experience but if he can still play at the highest level consistently is to be seen.
Other additions include Sadiq El Fitouri from Salford City and Andy Kellet on loan from Bolton.
Sadiq El Fitouri was earlier released by Manchester City and was without a club for a few months last year, then Phil Neville and Paul Scholes signed him up for their recently acquired club Salford, they were impressed with what they saw and recommended the player to a few big clubs, United decided to take him on for a trial and were clearly impressed with what they saw and decided to sign the player on a permanent deal. El Fitouri is a defender & right-back is his preferred position.
Andy Kellett was part of the deal that saw United’s Saidy Janko go on loan to Bolton Wanderers, presumably Kellet came to United so that the club doesn’t fall short of bodies in defensive positions at the U21 level and is acquired purely for the U21’s (fresh injury crisis exceptions aside). United’s (relatively) young goalkeeper Ben Amos also went to Bolton Wanderers on loan.
Marnick Vermijl and Will Keane went to Sheffield Wednesday on permanent & loan deals respectively. Michael Keane left United for Burnley on a permanent deal.
Few youngsters left United on loan deals to gain experience; Joe Rothwell to Blackpool, Ben Pearson to Barnsley, Sam Johnstone to Preston.
Jesse Lingard signed a new three & a half year contract at United and then agreed to join Derby County on loan for the rest of the season.
Wilfried Zaha after a disappointing spell at United, went back to his old club Crystal Palace on a five and a half year contract for a fee believed to be in the region of £3.5m increasing to £8m.
Anderson, whose deal has not yet been confirmed, is believed to have left United to go back to his home country Brazil and join his hometown club (though the rivals of his previous club Germio) Internacional on a permanent deal.
And finally, one of United’s academy boy & the clubs most loved player, Darren Fletcher left the club after 12 great years of service for West Bromich Albion.
Complete Round-Up
Ins: Victor Valdes (free agent), Sadiq El Fitouri (Salford City, undisclosed), Andy Kellett (Bolton Wanderers, loan)
Outs: Michael Keane (Burnley, undisclosed), Will Keane (Sheffield Wednesday, loan), Ben Amos (Bolton Wanderers, loan), Joe Rothwell (Blackpool, loan), Marnick Vermijl (Sheffield Wednesday, undisclosed), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace, undisclosed), Ben Pearson (Barnsley, loan), Sam Johnstone (Preston North End, loan), Jesse Lingard (Derby County, loan), Saidy Janko (Bolton, loan), Darren Fletcher (WBA, undisclosed)