It was the predictable outcome since Antoine Semenyo chose a move to Manchester City at the start of the month, but it is now official.
The Manchester United arrivals and departures suites were not required throughout the January transfer window. No one in, no one out.
United’s stance all month: “We’ll only move for new signings if a summer target becomes attainable earlier than expected.”
Semenyo fitted that category – with United primed to pursue a winger at the end of the season. And he likely would have completed a £65m switch, had he not opted for the blue side of Manchester.
The new-look regime at Old Trafford are reluctant to accept quick fixes in a long-term project. After all, the previous decision-makers’ short-term January signings did not exactly transform the team. Wout Weghorst, Marcel Sabitzer and Odion Ighalo come to mind…
That said, it is understandable that many fans are disappointed by the lack of ambition last month.
United’s best signing of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era – and arguably in Premier League history – Bruno Fernandes was a winter recruit.
As recently as last January, Ruben Amorim received Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a £25m deal. Around a year to the day, Ayden Heaven landed from Arsenal for just £1m. Both transfers could prove to be bargains.
With just 14 games remaining, United are in an unexpected position. Fourth in the Premier League, six points off second.
Champions League qualification did noy feature on anyone’s agenda at the dawn of the campaign. But now, with the wind in the Red Devils’ sails under unbeaten interim boss Michael Carrick, it is right there for the taking.
United have taken a risk by snubbing midfield reinforcements until the summer’s mammoth rebuild. Dreams of a Champions League return are one Casemiro injury away from dissolving.
Given the lack of success previous short-term fixes have brought, the fanbase should accept that calculated risk.
But if it backfires, especially if, say, City flourish after going out and signing two of the Premier League’s best last month, scrutiny will intensify.
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