Manchester United and boss Ruben Amorim have come under fire over the club’s rather lacklustre transfer activity and for passing up on ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has joined Newcastle
Former Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas has slammed Manchester United over their transfer business this summer. The Scotsman believes the likes of new Gunners star Christian Norgaard and Newcastle shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale should’ve been pursued.
Ruben Amorim’s side have added two offensive weapons this window so far in the form of £62.5million Matheus Cunha and £71m Bryan Mbeumo. Teenage left-back Diego Leon has been their only other acquisition.
A move for a striker seems on the cards with Benjamin Sesko, also a target for the Magpies, being priority No. 1 for the Red Devils. Yet Nicholas, who played over 175 times for Arsenal, has lambasted the club for what he believes to be a sub-par recruitment round, questioning why the likes of Ramsdale were not looked at.
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“There are a lot of players out there, a whole list who I think would be better than what Manchester United currently have,” Nicholas exclaimed to Sky Bet. “I just don’t know where they see themselves going.”
Nicholas went on to raise questions about two players who have made moves this summer for fees that wouldn’t break the bank: Norgaard, who arrived at the Emirates in July for £12m, and Ramsdale, who joined Newcastle on loan from Southampton last week.
“If I was Manchester United, why didn’t they go in for Christian Norgaard? It looks as if they’ve waited for two high-profile players,” continued Nicholas.
“But I look at them and I think, why are not adding more players like Norgaard, or players who have played well at Bournemouth and Newcastle, you could disrupt things and see who’s interested.
“There are so many pillars I just can’t understand, the whole lack of authority defensively and what is the current situation with the goalkeeper?
“Why don’t they go and get Aaron Ramsdale? He’s qualified, he knows the circuit, he’s English, experienced, and competitive. I know Ramsdale hasn’t won too much, but it’s not far off what United have won.
“I just don’t see how they see what an upgrade means. I don’t see Manchester United fans showing one bit of excitement as it stands right now, and it’s getting close for them to get aggressive towards the club again.”
Securing the services of a new star between the sticks is supposedly on the Old Trafford agenda this summer after Andre Onana suffered a substandard campaign last time out.
Aston Villa No. 1 Emi Martinez looks destined to wave goodbye to Villa Park, but a United loan proposal for the Argentine was reportedly rejected last month. Head coach Amorim was asked about the prospect of signing a new goalkeeper before the window closes, and didn’t rule the proposition out.
“To hope is a strong word,” Amorim responded when asked if he hoped to bring in a new keeper or striker. “We are always looking to improve the team. And we have some characteristics that we would like to have. But again, it depends on the market. It depends on the sales. We’ll see.”
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