When it comes to Premier League betting, the transfer window always provokes debate and intrigue.
With talk of big-money moves on the line, excitement levels ramp up for the fans, and they will be curious to know which players their team might acquire.
In the case of Manchester United — they have been rather slow getting out of the traps — and at the time of writing, they are still waiting to complete their first deal.
Although the transfer window has only just officially opened, there is no time to stand still. If it wasn’t apparent already, a big overhaul at United is required to compete at the top end of the table next term.
Tottenham, for example, has already concluded deals for four players, including Ivan Perisic and Yves Bissouma. Manchester City, meanwhile, landed the first knockout blow in the transfer window when they clinched a deal for Borussia Dortmund hitman Erling Haaland.
United are trailing in the wake of their rivals, and I think they have plenty of catching up to do.
Park up Crazy Rumors
Naturally, when a team of Manchester United’s caliber is in the market for fresh blood, they are bound to be linked to a cluster of players. However, not every player will necessarily be the right fit for the club.
Of the crazy rumors that have surfaced in recent weeks, there had been suggestions that a deal for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong would require Harry Maguire to be included as part of the package.
With Clement Lenglet earmarked for a loan move to Tottenham, Barca’s interest in Maguire is like a bolt out of the blue. After all, Maguire was widely criticized for his performances for United last season.
Oh, and when you hear that Christian Eriksen is mulling over whether to stay at Brentford or join United, then you get a clearer idea of how far United has fallen.
Some deals get buried in the water early on, but rumors concerning Eriksen and Maguire slow down the process for United.
Erik ten Hag a Man in a Hurry
With a preseason training camp already underway, United boss Erik ten Hag wants to know what he has to work with.
Things are only going to intensify over the coming weeks. And the only way that some of the unrest can be quashed is through summer deals.
There is a chance that United could complete a deal for Tyrell Malacia, who has been on the radar, but he’s hardly the marquee signing that United fans crave.
Ten Hag needs to make clear his intentions to the board. Times have changed with Ed Woodward no longer overseeing the transfer kitty, but United can’t afford any more blunders.
In the past, United has been caught out for being too ponderous. But this is a critical window, especially if they want to scale the heights of yesteryear.
Ten Hag will want to get some fresh faces in, but whoever he gets will need to hit the ground running immediately. In terms of their Premier League odds to win the title, United are currently priced at +2800, which shows how unfancied they are.
United can trade on prestige, but if they don’t sort themselves out quickly, then they could well plumb new depths next season.
