IT’S been a long and thrilling summer, but the transfer window has come to an end.Manchester United were one of the busiest teams as they made four new signings and offloaded seven players.
Manchester United had a productive summer window, with the club signing four playersCredit: PA
For once, there were signs going into the transfer market that the club had clearly identified which areas they were looking to address and strengthen.
Because of the proactive planning from the board it resulted with the business being done with ease and no panic buys on deadline day.
With the Glazers and the key members at Old Trafford deciding to act like a big club once and for all, they have left United’s supporters with a very satisfied summer and no room for complaints.
Without further ado, it’s time to grade the club’s summer business…
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TOM HEATON – GOALKEEPER
Given that Sergio Romero’s time at the club has come to an end and Lee Grant is focused on completing his coaching badges, the Red Devils could not have asked for a better third-choice goalkeeper than Tom Heaton.
The 35-year-old returns to Old Trafford 11 years after leaving for Cardiff City as a free agent, due to lack of game time offered at United.
Heaton had a productive summer where he showed off his qualities in the pre-season fixtures, and it comes as a surprise that he was not attracting the interest of mid-table teams before joining United.
Nevertheless, the goalkeeper has been at the club during the days of the Sir Alex Ferguson era, his presence and experience will be vital in the dressing room.
It is expected of him to be more of an influential individual for the team off the pitch than actually on it.
Rating – C
Tom Heaton joined the Red Devils on a free transfer to become the club’s third-choice goalkeeperCredit: Getty
JADON SANCHO – RIGHT WINGER
After failing to sign the forward last summer, the club succeeded at the second time of asking and found themselves saving £30million by buying him a year later.
More importantly, the side have finally got a creator and a huge attacking threat from the right-wing, something they have missed since Antonio Valencia last played there.
United already boast a number of talented attacking youngsters within the squad, however, the versatile Sancho is capable of producing something out of nothing.
It will take him a couple of months to settle into English football in general, but once he does so, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be having a selection headache and Manchester City will be watching on with jealousy.
Rating – A-
England international Jadon Sancho has featured in all three of United’s opening Premier League gamesCredit: PA
RAPHAEL VARANE – CENTRE-BACK
United’s signing of the summer has to be Raphael Varane, purely based on how he has instantly improved the backline and how his presence will limit the side’s ongoing issues within midfield.
Although the focus will be on the signings of the attackers in Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, if the side do have a successful season, it would be due to the intelligent output of the Frenchman.
Noting that he is a proven winner with France and Real Madrid, Varane enters the Premier League as one of the best centre-backs in England and Europe too.
Partnering with Harry Maguire at the heart of defence, he is anticipated to help the back-four become unbreakable.
Rating – A*
Raphael Varane started in the Red Devils’ 1-0 win away at Wolves last SundayCredit: Getty
CRISTIANO RONALDO – CENTRE-FORWARD
The signing of Ronaldo addresses the need of a player to deliver at least 20 league goals a season as well as someone who can encourage and motivate the other players to perform at a higher and consistent level.
From time to time, the side have lacked individuals that speak out and raise their voices on the pitch, however, they will no longer have this issue with Ronaldo’s return.
Given the love and support he has from the fans, along with how United hijacked Manchester City’s move for the 36-year-old in the final hours, there is huge expectations on him to help the side challenge for the Premier League and Champions League.
And if there is one specific player that can take the club back to the top level of football, it is Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rating – A
Cristiano Ronaldo has returned to the Theatre of Dreams 12 years after departing for Real MadridCredit: Getty
OVERALL
It’s been a dominant window for United, a type of summer that the majority of the club’s supporters were not expecting and are not used to.
A huge positive along with the big-name signings is that Paul Pogba remains at the club for the time being, despite the constant rumours linking him to Paris Saint-Germain, who could now land him as a free agent next summer.
However, without the signing of a holding midfielder the transfer window cannot be given 10/10.
As seen in United’s recent outings, the side are lacking intelligence, composure, and quality in the middle of the pitch, which could cause them to fall short in their long path to success.
Overall rating – A
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