Sky Sports update proves incompetent INEOS committed major deadline-day blunder

Manchester United have been let down by their hierarchy as managing co-owners INEOS failed to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s attacking department.

In fact, the Red Devils were left with a weakened frontline considering Marcus Rashford left to join Aston Villa on loan. Even though the England international had been outcasted for 45 days or so, some still had hopes of an eventual return to the fold and a reconciliation with the manager, but those were dashed on the final days of the market.

Likewise, Antony was given safe passage and he ended up signing for Real Betis. Disappointing he might have been, at least he added an extra body in attack and an understudy for Amad Diallo.

How INEOS messed up on deadline day

In the final days of the market, United were engaged in tug-of-war for the services of Mathys Tel. In the end, Tottenham prevailed in the race, luring the 19-year-old to North London. Sky Sports correspondent Melissa Reddy explains why Man Utd pulled out of the race.

“Manchester United’s interest in Mathys Tel ended as Bayern Munich wanted a £5m loan fee with no buy clause in the deal. It was seen as an expensive risk and developing the player only for Bayern or another club to benefit at the end of the temporary spell.”

In earnest, INEOS may have a point there. Loan fees are dead investments when not intertwined with an option to buy.

However, the big surprise came later in the evening, when it was announced that Spurs didn’t only sign the Bayern Munich teenager, but also acquired the option-to-buy clause, thus making a mockery out of INEOS.

While some may call it ineptitude, others might consider it a lack of experience, or simply a case of complacency.

But whatever the case may be, the Man Utd management have failed where their rivals succeeded, raising additional question marks over their ability to lift the club back to their rightful place.