Manchester United

Manchester United

Premier League • England

Man Utd questioned for bizarre transfer strategy they ‘never’ would have followed before, as rejecter praised

Man Utd keeper David de Gea acknowledging Jamie Vardy

Man Utd should never have appealed to Jamie Vardy, according to a pundit who feels their transfer strategy is a shadow of what it used to be.

Vardy was recently linked with a surprise move to Man Utd, who are in need of attacking reinforcements. However, the speculation came to an end when the former England international signed a new contract with Leicester City over the weekend.

It will prompt yet another change of plan for Man Utd, who were previously interested in Marko Arnautovic before turning their attention elsewhere.

They are yet to sign a direct replacement for Edinson Cavani, who left as a free agent over the summer. More competition would be beneficial up front.

But they haven’t always identified easily gettable targets, or ones that would generate much enthusiasm from fans.

According to former Premier League defender Alan Hutton, Man Utd are targeting players that would have been ruled out under previous regimes.

But some of them – like Vardy – are doing the right thing by ignoring their potential advances.

Hutton told Football Insider: “Why, at his age, would he move to Man Utd?

“Yes, at one stage they were one of the best teams in world football. But they’re in a bad place at this moment in time. So would he really want to go and be part of that for a season or two when he’s doing well where he’s at?

“At this moment in time Leicester are a better football team. Manchester United are going through changes.

Man Utd ‘trying to get anybody’ in

“It’s strange because it seems like everybody they’re going for, the likes of Arnautovic, Man Utd never would have gone for him in the past. Now it just seems like they’re trying to get anybody through the door.”

It has certainly been a rollercoaster of a transfer window for Man Utd. They brought in Tyrell Malacia, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez before agreeing a deal for Casemiro.

But the players they have missed out on have drawn just as much attention. For example, their attempts to sign Frenkie de Jong, Adrien Rabiot and Arnautovic, among others in various positions, have not led to successful outcomes.

Early results have suggested that Erik ten Hag has his work cut out with his current squad. As it evolves, perhaps the club will need to demonstrate a clearer strategy with higher standards.

READ MORECasemiro caught in unfortunate comparison to Man Utd flop, as pundit predicts similar fate amid growing problem