United’s time post-Fergie can be characterised by a lot of things. The violent swings from one philosophy to another, Louis van Gaal’s incredible press conferences, Paul Pogba, even the meteoric highs and plunging lows under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. We’ve seemingly had it all – apart from trophies.
But only one thing truly defines the post-2013 era best, Ed Woodward. The recruitment in the last decade or so has, by and large, been abysmal. From the infamous “shivers down the spine” debacle to Alexis Sanchez and that dreaded piano. Ed Woodward has been the arbiter of our downfall. With him and the Super League successfully seen off (for now) and the Glazers set to follow, what do Erik ten Hag and co have in store for us when it comes to recruitment? Here’s my take on how his summer signings have done so far.
Antony
The mercurial Brazilian started his time in the North West off with a bang, scoring on his debut against high-flying Arsenal to help United on their way to a 3-1 victory – which is still the only time the Gunners have been beaten in the league this season. Such an explosive start was always going to be hard to keep up. Subsequently the former Ajax man has flattered to deceive at times, often slowing down attacks as he opts for stylish ball rolls over penetrative end product.
Antony has managed five goals for United this season and is picking up a nice habit of scoring against big opposition. Two-thirds of his Premier League output have come against the league’s top two teams – Arsenal and Manchester City. It’s of course early days for Antony but the reported £86m price tag looms large and he has big shoes to fill.
Rating: 6/10
Casemiro
My oh my. Manchester United has been crying out for a number six, DM, stopper or whatever you want to call it for years. Nemanja Matic, whilst very effective on his day, only offered fleeting respite to our troubles. Casemiro’s ability to sniff out danger and deal with it in a cool, calm and relaxed manner, combined with his exemplary tackling capabilities makes him an absolute joy to watch. He’s brought balance, quality, and experience to our midfield.
Somewhere, in the suburbs of Madrid, Florentino Perez and his cronies are tirelessly, desperately trying to figure out how they can charge us with fraud. And, the truth is, they’d be right to. The purported £70m outlay for Casemiro wasn’t enough. £140m might’ve sufficed. But even that would’ve been lowballing. Some might say Casemiro is Real Madrid’s penance for stealing Ronaldo off us for the measly sum of £80m though, so every cloud and all that Florentino.
Rating: 9/10
Martin Dubravka
Not a whole lot can be said about Martin Dubravka in all honesty. He played a few games in the League Cup, gave us all a few heart attacks and then left again. Like he did, I think it’s best to move on really.
Rating: N/A
Christian Eriksen
I, like everyone else, didn’t think we’d see Christian Eriksen on a football pitch again after his incident at the Euros. To have the mental resilience to go from that awful evening to lighting up the Stretford End with your wand of a right foot is amazing. Breathtaking, actually. In amongst the maelstrom and frenzy created by Casemiro and Bruno, this man is our midfield maestro. All that creativity, nous, and experience for £0. For FREE. What a deal. He still has a tendency to fade as the game goes on, but given his profile, age, and circumstances, I think we can forgive him.
Rating: 8/10
Tyrell Malacia
Tyrell Malacia was one of Ten Hag’s less flashy signings of the summer, but maybe one of the most important. Malacia wasted no time impressing his new boss at the start of the season with several very promising displays, including a feature role in that blockbuster win against Liverpool. But after deputising so early on, the Dutchman’s role has altered as the season progresses. Luke Shaw loves a challenge to his left-back throne and after seeing Malacia usurp him earlier in the season, Shaw has since reclaimed his spot in Ten Hag’s starting XI. Malacia’s youthful aggression and limitless desire to get up and down the left flank though have made him an ideal backup for Shaw whilst he goes through his rich vein of form.
Ultimately, the ex-Feyenoord man will want to cement his place as United’s first choice left back – especially if Luke Shaw continues his little cameos at centre back. Good but could be better.
Rating: 7/10
Lisandro Martinez
Saving the most polarising – and my personal favourite – until last, we have The Butcher. Lisandro Martinez’s life at United began in relative ignominy, after Jamie Carragher’s, now ridiculous, rant about the Argentine’s height dovetailed beautifully off United’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Brentford. Almost £60m, 5ft 7in, he’s from the Eredivisie, we heard it all during those long weeks at the start of the season.
What Martinez has been able to produce since then though, has made him an instant fan favourite. From his gritty determination and shithousery, all the way to his line-breaking passes and the rock-solid partnership he’s built up with Raphael Varane.
Since coming back from the World Cup, the former Ajax talisman is yet to quite find his feet. With even Ten Hag jovially speculating that perhaps the defender is suffering a World Cup hangover, after helping a certain Lionel Messi to the international promised land.
Overall though, when thinking back to some of the players we’ve had occupy Martinez’s position in recent years. It’s hard not to feel lucky with what we’ve got. A World Cup winning centre half partnership. What more could you ask for?
Rating: 8.5/10
So, with approximately half of the season gone and a January transfer window that is still open, I’d say that Manchester United’s summer signings have been a resounding success. Antony, Casemiro, Eriksen, Malacia, and Martinez have all been stellar so far this season. Even Dubravka played a part.
The point being, it’s been a while since I felt confident in the club’s recruitment process; it’s been a
while since, hand on heart, I believed in who we were buying. Erik ten Hag has already done a great many things in his short tenure at Old Trafford; from battling Ronaldo’s ego to negotiating Harry Maguire’s absence from the team, the gaffer has handled it all brilliantly.
But perhaps what has been most impressive has been his talent ID. Of course, it’s still early days but not a single signing has been a dud yet. And long may that continue. But do you know what United’s best summer signing was?
Erik ten Hag.
Rating: 10/10