Mirror
Despite an initial slow start, it’s fair to say that Manchester United ended up having a fairly positive transfer window.
On deadline day, they brought in Martin Dubravka from Newcastle and the highly-rated Antony for Ajax. He was a summer-long target for the Reds and eventually signed a five-year deal until 2027, with the option for an extra year, worth around £200,000-a-week.
Both players joined Casemiro, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez and Christian Eriksen through the Old Trafford doors, massively boosting Erik ten Hag’s options for the remainder of the campaign.
The Dutchman now has a much stronger squad to work with, something that is evidently clear when we look back on the starting XI that lined up in the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at the back end of last season.
Ahead of him, just one of that starting defensive quartet – Diogo Dalot – featured in Thursday night’s 1-0 victory over Leicester City. It’s difficult to see how that changes going forward too. Alex Telles joined Sevilla on loan and Malacia has quickly dislodged Luke Shaw to make the left-back position his to lose.
Meanwhile, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof look destined to settle for a place on the bench based on the impressive partnership being built between Raphael Varane and Martinez who is, game by game, silencing early-season critics.
Scott McTominay in midfield was one of the few survivors from that 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, he lined up with Eriksen in a double pivot at King Power Stadium. Casemiro joined him in the second half against Leicester to make his United debut, with Eriksen pushed higher up the pitch and Bruno Fernandes moved to the right…
