The transfer window for Premier League teams came to a close last week, concluding trading for the summer season. Coronavirus displaced the window for the 2020/21 season quite a bit, putting team managers in a uniquely stressful situation. Originally scheduled to begin on June 10, the open window was meant to end on the first of September before the start of the season. Instead, trading opened just a day after the end of the 2019/20 season of Premier League and continued until October 5. 

Manchester United had a tense start, trading out plenty of players amidst two defeats on their home field. Donny van de Beek, a young midfielder with enthusiasm and potential, was signed on September 2, the only new addition for weeks while the transfer window stretched on. Then, all at once, Manchester added four more names to their roster. Facundo Pellistri signed on for five years on Deadline Day, becoming part of the Manchester United F.C. alongside three other exciting new talents.

Last-Minute Signings 

If rumors about Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho are anything to go by, these three players joining The Red Devils aren’t quite what executive chief Ed Woodward was after. However, they are all promising footballers that could potentially bring some much-needed support to United in a season that pits them against long-time rivals Liverpool F.C.

All signed on the very last day of the summer transfer window, they will be coming to the field a little late in the game–especially Amad Diallo, whose contract will have to wait until January. Hopefully, Manchester didn’t play a round of live roulette online here, and their eventual presence is enough to lend to the odds this season. 

Alex Telles

Coming from Porto where he totaled 26 goals and more than 50 assists, Alex Telles is a skilled playmaker down the left. He has an experienced record, having played in the UEFA Champions League and been rewarded among the 2013 Brasileirão Team of the Year. At 27, his contract extends for the next four years with the option to sign for a fifth, bringing a lot of potential to Manchester United for the next few years.  

Amad Diallo

Atlanta has signed over 18-year-old winger Amad Diallo to Manchester United, although they’ll be keeping him until January. The Ivorian player is remarkably young and may prove to be one of the better signings in recent years for Manchester, possibly even satisfying the pursuits for Jadon Sancho that were squashed earlier in the year. Diallo still has a way to go to prove himself on the field, however, and United is excited to see his prospects as a player.

Edinson Cavani

Coming in on Deadline Day on a short-term deal and with no transfer fee, Edinson Cavani is the oldest of the trio at 33. A heavily experienced player, Cavani is a Uruguayan striker known for his athleticism, teamwork, and movement on the pitch. The low-cost deal and reputation Cavani carries could really pay off for United, but whether he can keep up this season has yet to be seen. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said he believes Cavani will bring “energy, power, leadership, and a great mentality to the squad but, most importantly, he’ll bring goals.” And goals are something Manchester will definitely need facing off against The Reds this year. 

Recruitment Troubles

These quick Deadline Day signings will hopefully pay off for United, especially because in years past luck has not treated the team well during transfer windows. High dollar trades have not paid off as seasons progressed and some players have proven to be more trouble than they’re worth. 

Bad Luck for United

Harry Macguire, who signed during the summer window of the 2019/20 season for a whopping £80 million fee, was detained in Mykonos just before the start of this year’s Premier League season. He was eventually charged with aggravated assault, resisting arrest, and attempted bribery but has appealed. 

On the other hand, there are players like Luke Shaw, who has garnered a bad reputation through the combination of being a particularly expensive player at the time of signing and bad luck. Labeled “the most expensive teenager in world football” for a transfer fee estimated to be around £30 million, Shaw has a history of particularly nasty injuries that put him out for weeks at a time. 

Preparing for Premier

Now, as Premier League amps up, Manchester United recruits prepare to join their teammates on the field. Donny van de Beek has already integrated and begun match play, but Cavani has to complete a quarantine schedule before he can begin the season with United. 

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