Manchester United have had a shakey season thus far, but it could have been a lot worse.
Over the summer, the Red Devils had a bit of a revamp. They brought in lots of key figures in Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana – but also sold many in the process.
The likes of Eric Bailly, Fred, David de Gea, Alex Telles and so many more were all deemed surplus to requirements by Erik ten Hag – but it easily could have been more.
The manager will be thankful two of them at the very least didn’t go through.
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Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire failed transfers
Flashba back to the summer transfer window and two prominent figures that looked destined to leave the club were Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay.
The pair came mightily close to leaving, with West Ham United looking the most probable of destinations.
West Ham made a £20m bid for the former United skipper, which was rejected. They then came in with an improved bid for a defender worth £30m. This second deal was accepted, but Maguire didn’t want to leave.
The same price was slapped on Scott McTominay. David Moyes tried to lure his fellow Scotsman to the North London stadium – but United valued him more at around £45m, so the Hammers looked elsewhere.
It was also reported that West Ham tried a £60m double deal for both at once.
They have saved Erik ten Hag this season
These two failed transfers may have just saved United’s season.
Ten Hag made some bold calls in the summer, exiling a lot of players from the club. This meant United have suffered from a lack of depth so far this campaign – thanks to a combination of injuries and players sold.
Amid an injury crisis at the back, Maguire has seriously stepped up in – putting in some sublime performances.
Had he not been at the club, United would have had to have resorted to an even more unorthodox back line, which ultimately could have led to more losses in the Premier League and Champions League.
Similarly, with McTominay, he’s stepped up when needed – but more importantly, has cropped up with vital goals.
His Brentford double and strike against Sheffield United secured Manchester United two league wins on the bounce and have changed the tide of the season.
Had these two not been here, things could have looked very different. While perhaps the money would have been reinvested, there’s no guarantee this would have been done effectively. The failed deals now seriously do look like a blessing in disguise.
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