Manchester United have been handed a surprise opportunity to speed up two transfers after Germany and the Netherlands were eliminated from the World Cup on penalties on Monday. The exits of Felix Nmecha and Crysencio Summerville from the tournament could allow transfer sagas to heat up.
Nmecha and Summerville Now Available
United have looked at Nmecha as they run the rule over a variety of midfield options this summer. Although he started the World Cup with a bang, he was withdrawn at half-time as Germany toiled against Paraguay. His replacement, Leon Goretzka, looked more of a threat, and Julian Nagelsmann's side drew level only to lose on penalties.
Summerville's World Cup ended in even more heartbreaking fashion. The 24-year-old West Ham winger was lively throughout against Morocco and had a good tournament, only to miss the Netherlands' final kick as they also went out on penalties.
Transfer Prospects
It seems inevitable that Summerville, who made his international debut in June and now has two goals and three assists in six caps, will leave relegated West Ham this summer. The only question is where he ends up. United have looked at the former Leeds wide man as an option to strengthen their left-hand side, but any move is set to stay on hold at the moment, with Marcus Rashford set to return for pre-season training at Carrington. After Manuel Ugarte's injury, United might need to sell Rashford to fund a move for a left-winger.
Nmecha is also a player who isn't at the top of United's wishlist, with the focus still on signing a different West Ham player, Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Nmecha, 25, a former Manchester City youngster who director of football Jason Wilcox knows well from his time at the Etihad, remains an alternative.
Data-Driven Recruitment
With their recruitment now driven heavily by data, United have run the rule over several players in each target position this summer, which is why Nmecha and Summerville feature on the shortlist. As it stands, a move for either doesn't appear to be imminent, but now they have seen their World Cups come to a premature end, there is every chance developments could be afoot, one way or the other.
