Is Man United’s transfer window going to plan?
episode
Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show
55 min
4 speakers
8 chapters
transcribed 1 month ago
Transcript
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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
What is the current state of Manchester United's midfield transfer plans?
The Athletic FC.
This is Talk the Devils, the athletic show dedicated to Manchester United. It's Monday and we are back with a transfer update because it's been yet another dramatic week. Of transfer speculation of setbacks unfortunately for Manchester United. We'll get into all the details of that and see exactly where we are left after Mateas Fernandez has chosen to join Tottenham Hotspur. We'll check in with the players at the World Cup, we'll have a look ahead to pre-season as well, with pre-season training starting this week. There's lots to pack in as usual. Uh Lori, Andy and Carl are all here to do exactly that. We usually start with small talk, but Laurie, it doesn't feel like a week for small talk because like I said, it's not quite going to plan this summer transfer window for United, is it?
No, no. Uh th I thought we were gonna start with a small talk of, you know, how we watched England last night and had two hours' sleep, but fine, we'll move straight on to Manchester United's transfer activity. And yeah, it felt like quite a pivotal week last week with Mateus Fernandez deciding to go to Tottenham Hotspur. I think that was a shock to people at Manchester United. Um I think there was a expectation maybe that he would sign for United, um and that they would Prepared to meet West Ham's demands that ultimately were eighty five million pounds with the use of add-ons. You know, obviously Tottenham have guaranteed that fee, so maybe that was a small de fac deciding factor in in West Ham accepting it or not.
Um but clearly the wages that is going to be paid at Tottenham are more than what United can countenance, and ultimately United have stepped away from it. Um so it leaves though a big question about who will come in 'cause it felt like Fernandez was going to be that player after United obviously weren't able to secure Elliot Anderson either. It does feel a little bit like a uh you know, the pressure is is beginning to rise a little bit in terms of United's transfer activity.
Yeah, I mean, Andy, it's a lot of money, isn't it, for a twenty one year old player who's made just over seventy appearances in the English top fly? He's obviously been relegated twice, which everyone keeps referencing as well. I mean, how much of a disappointment is it that United have have missed out on this? How much of a setback is it that he isn't going to be a Manchester United player and the search for a midfielder has to continue now?
Well, it is a setback because he was one of Manchester United's top targets. It's someone who's been watched for a long time. His his metrics were something which hugely impressed Manchester United. The club firmly understood that he wanted to join United, but Tottenham have blown Manchester United out of the water in terms of the wages, the paying. You can argue that um United shouldn't be having their pants pulled down and and making him someone like him the one of the top paid players at the club for the reasons that you've said.
Why did Mateus Fernández choose Tottenham over Manchester United?
I'm not that bothered that he's been in relegation teams. Roy Keane was in a forest team that went down. Um Elliott Anderson was playing for a forest team who who've been struggling. I'd have more faith in him being a good player. So when I had heard he'd join West Ham, I felt a little bit deflated. I'm not having a meltdown because he he hasn't been signed. But now you've got two of United's top targets, Elliot Anderson and Mathias Fernandez, have both joined other clubs. So while I respect Manchester United's position for discipline within the transfer market, it's also true that United can't control the market. Couldn't when Ferguson said there's no value in the market. That's not for him to to set the market.
And I think United need need to get need to get moving. The identity The players, that bit's been done. Maybe need to be more aggressive, not over negotiate for players because at the moment you've got one um established midfielder. The club are absolutely aware that going into the Champions League the squad needs to be bolstered.
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What is the current state of Manchester United's midfield transfer plans?
0:01–3:02
2
Why did Mateus Fernández choose Tottenham over Manchester United?
3:02–12:02
3
How has Tottenham’s spending spree affected United’s midfield market?
12:02–23:54
4
What role do wages and the Glazer ownership structure play in United’s transfer strategy?
23:54–33:28
5
Which alternative midfield targets are United considering after missing Anderson and Fernández?
33:28–43:45
6
How will the World Cup timeline impact United’s transfer negotiations?
43:45–50:41
7
What does United’s pre‑season schedule look like and why is it important?
50:41–53:37
8
What are the key takeaways and expectations for United’s upcoming season?
53:37–55:30