Roy Keane has voiced his worries about Manchester United’s defensive capabilities as the new Premier League campaign approaches. The Old Trafford icon has also supported the club’s choice to abandon pursuits of several players during the current transfer window.
The Red Devils have strengthened Michael Carrick’s squad with several signings, including central midfielders Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos. These additions come after Casemiro departed without a transfer fee and Manuel Ugarte sustained a serious injury at the World Cup, leaving the club thin in the middle of the park.
Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba is also on the verge of completing a switch to Old Trafford. The Cameroon international is expected to join United in a deal worth £65million plus an additional £5m in performance-related clauses.
Reds legend Keane has now offered his assessment of the club’s summer transfer activity. While praising the recruitment strategy, the former midfielder expressed concern about the backline heading into the new term.
During an appearance on the Stick to Football podcast, he stated that credit must be given to United for their recent approach. The recruitment team has returned to targets familiar with English football’s top flight, which represents a significant shift in thinking. The same philosophy appears to be in place this year, bringing in players perhaps flying under the radar rather than high-profile expensive signings. Looking back at United’s greatest acquisitions over the past two to three decades, many were overlooked talents. Spending massive sums is not always the answer, though these new arrivals should serve the club well. However, being solid players and challenging for the league title are different matters, and the defence remains the primary concern.
Keane also commented on United’s failure to complete several expensive transfers. Fernandes and Tonali ultimately signed for Tottenham Hotspur, while Anderson moved to Manchester City. He suggested the club were informed prices would continue escalating and eventually had to step away from negotiations. Looking at their other acquisitions, United appear to operate in the £50-60m bracket. The club has suffered costly mistakes in previous windows by signing players unaccustomed to the Premier League.
United have until the September 1 deadline at 11pm to make further additions to their squad. Carrick’s side begin their league campaign away at newly-promoted Hull City on Saturday at 12:30pm.