Manchester United have had a May to forget, for many reasons.
When May began, Manchester United had just suffered defeat to rivals Manchester City, but still had hope of winning a 20th league title.
That hope was crushed by city easing to a win over Newcastle United and Sergio Aguero’s last gasp winner against QPR, and now United are getting used to not only being the second best team in the country, but in Manchester.
Now we don’t think it is melodramatic to say that off the pitch, things have not got any better either.
They were knocked back by top transfer target Eden Hazard this week who chose to join Chelsea, and now have to re-think their plans.
Take Part In Our Euro 2012 Predictor Competition – Free Entry, £4,000 Prize Fund
Another transfer target they have seen slip through the net is Swiss international midfielder Granit Xhaka, who was linked with the club earlier this year.
He signed last week for German club Borussia Moenchengladbach, and is the second FC Basle star United have missed out on to the Bundesliga;
Bayern Munich signed the excellent Xherdan Shaqiri in January, a player who would have been excellent at Old Trafford.
Despite several rumours, United have not got any deals done this month, but it promises to be a busy June, the month where United completed the majority of their transfer activity last summer.
They are chasing Shinji Kagawa of Borussia Dortmund, but even this has not been simple.
United are looking at paying £12 million rising to £17 million, for a player who was first expected to cost around £8 million.
The club need a new striker, potentially more cover at left-back and right-back, but most importantly, at least two central midfielders.
If the club do not act here, and there are no imminent signs, then it will be a big opportunity missed.
It is why United allowing Xhaka to slip through their grasp – he signed for just £6 million – is bemusing.
Nobody is saying Xhaka would have been the answer, but Ferguson is the one who talks about ‘value in the market’ – and lets a 19-year-old international slip through on the cheap. United have other options, but the longer they wait to make their moves, the greater chance there is of these diminishing.
With the Hazard deal there were many intangibles, and United likely just couldn’t compete with the wages Chelsea or City could offer, and the financial limitations of their owners will continue to worry the club.
The Glazers are taking millions out of the club to pay off debts every month, millions which could be spent on new players.
After a disappointing end to the campaign, and a miserable month in general, Manchester United fans will hope for a more uplifting June.
Who do you want to see United sign next month?
image: © _becaro_
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
