The 2022 January transfer window has now closed across Europe and Manchester United, unsurprisingly remaining unchanged as they made no new signings, but did let some players leave Old Trafford on loan.
Manchester United needed a central defensive midfielder to help evolve into a team that could push for the champions league spots. The likes of RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara, West Ham’s Declan Rice, Marseille’s Boubacar Kamara were among the notable names that were linked to the club but perhaps due to the fact that United don’t have a permanent manager in place at the moment, waiting until a manager is appointed might be a viable solution because it doesn’t make much sense to bring in signings for a coach who’s taking up the hot seat next summer.
Here is a round-up of all the activities that happened at the club.
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ANTHONY MARTIAL TO SEVILLA:
It was announced early last week on the club’s official website that the 26-year-old French forward has completed a medical in Spain after the two clubs agreed to terms for his temporary transfer to Sevilla on loan for the remainder of the 2021/22 season.
The former AS Monaco man became the most expensive teenager when he moved to Manchester for £36 million in 2015, a deal that had the potential to hit £58 million, and has since then scored 79 goals in 269 appearances for Manchester United playing in different positions under different managers.
More: How Martial’s move to Sevilla could be a Win-Win-Win for all parties
Martial communicated his desire to leave the club for playing time to interim boss Ralf Rangnick after falling out of favor with the summer arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus and Jadon Sancho from Dortmund.
“My loan move to Sevilla is valid for the next five months, at the end of the season… but you never know what will happen in the future. We’ll see”. Martial said after joining the Spanish club.
“I wanted to join Sevilla because of Monchi and Lopetegui. I’m here to play and show what I can do”, said Martial.
With just 11 appearances for United so far this season, it is logical to say that Martial indeed needed the playing time and also given that the Qatar 2022 World Cup is around the corner.
AMAD DIALLO TO RANGERS:
Amad Diallo on Thursday completed his move to Scottish Premiership champions Rangers where he will spend the rest of the season on loan.
Diallo joined United in January last year from Serie A club Atalanta, where he made his professional debut and has since made a total of nine first-team appearances for Manchester United, scoring one goal and assisting one.
“It is fantastic for me at this stage of my career to have the opportunity to come to such a big club that is challenging on a number of fronts and will give me some excellent opportunities to test myself in many environments,” Diallo said after completing a loan move to Rangers.
There’s a lot for Amad to learn while at Rangers. He will get the needed experience playing for a club on top of the league and also playing in Europe’s second-tier league.
DONNY VAN DE BEEK TO EVERTON:
Everton, just a few hours away from the deadline, announced the signing of midfielder Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United despite interest from fellow league club Crystal Palace.
The Dutchman had been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford amid concerns over playing time.
Since joining the Red Devils from Ajax for a reported fee of £35 million, Donny made just 19 starts in all competitions and struggled with game time under the previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“Now I can say I am an Everton player, I am really happy and can’t wait to help the team. I think it is a great club… there are really good players here and I came because I want to help them go up the table.” Donny told Everton’s website.
“I hope to bring my football qualities, my passing, and, of course, scoring goals. It is a big part of my game to score and give assists and I will try to do that again. And it is not only offensive, but you also have to defend as a midfielder and I can do that as well,” he said.
Read full quotes from Donny van de Beek’s Everton interview here.
It is expected that, with the Qatar 2022 World Cup to come at the end of this year, players will seek playing time. Van de Beek is not an exception, he knows his place in the Netherlands side could be at risk if he is not playing regular football.
With the 2022 winter transfer closed, United fans should be looking forward to a busy summer business when the club is expected to get a permanent manager.
A central defensive midfielder is their top priority according to reports but with the likes of Pogba, Lingard, Mata, etc all possibly leaving when their deals expire could inspire a lot of movements.
