In a whirlwind finale to the summer transfer window, Manchester United sealed a season-long loan move for long-term target Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina. The deal, which includes an option to buy for around £21.4 million, provides a major boost to Erik ten Hag's midfield options.
However, the final hours were fraught with frustration for the Old Trafford hierarchy. A proposed switch to Turkish giants Galatasaray for out-of-favour defender Eric Bailly spectacularly fell through at the eleventh hour. The collapse of this permanent move leaves United with a significant financial burden, as the Ivorian's lucrative contract runs until 2024.
Van de Beek's Move to Lens Collapses
In a double dose of disappointment, a planned loan exit for Dutch midfielder Donny van de Beek also hit a brick wall. The proposed move to French side RC Lens was aborted, leaving the 26-year-old's future at the club deeply uncertain after failing to secure a much-needed fresh start.
Martial Stays Put Amid Striker Search
Despite widespread speculation, Anthony Martial will remain a Red Devil for now. The club's efforts to bring in attacking reinforcement were ultimately unsuccessful, meaning the Frenchman is set to provide cover for Rasmus Højlund. This decision comes with an element of risk, given Martial's well-documented injury struggles.
The dramatic events of Deadline Day underscore the challenging balancing act United face in reshaping their squad while managing financial constraints, leaving Ten Hag with both a new key player and several unresolved squad issues.
