Erik ten Hag’s first transfer window at Manchester United has not gone as planned and the Dutchman will begin the 2022/23 season with an imbalanced squad.
Andreas Pereira is the only first-team player to have been sold this summer following the departures of six players on free transfer at the end of June.
Edinson Cavani falls into that category and his departure, paired with the uncertainty over Mason Greenwood’s situation, has left United light in the striking department.
On top of that, Cristiano Ronaldo has already asked to leave the club and is in the middle of a seemingly public dispute with the manager.
Should the 37-year-old leave the club, Anthony Martial would become the only senior striker left and the Frenchman’s injury record doesn’t fill you with confidence.
It makes sense for United to sign a forward before the window shuts next month and according to reports, Leicester striker Jamie Vardy is one of the players being monitored by the Old Trafford club.
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That’s according to 90min, who say that United are joined by Chelsea in keeping tabs on the situation. Vardy has one year remaining on his contract at the King Power Stadium and an extension is yet to be agreed.
As per the report, Leicester are looking to offload some players due to financial regulations but it remains unclear whether Vardy will be allowed to leave.
SN’s verdict…
United’s transfer window thus far has been shambolic and replacing a 37-year-old striker with a 35-year-old one would be fitting. It’s a move that doesn’t line up with Ten Hag’s vision.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to sign Edinson Cavani two years ago after failing with a move for Erling Haaland six months earlier. The Uruguayan was seen as a stop-gap option before moving for the Norwegian star again but all know how that turned out.
Should Ronaldo leave, signing a replacement is paramount but Vardy’s injury record and his age simply do not suit the profile of player for a long-term build.
