Jonathan David was a reported target for Manchester United this summer but he has since been confirmed as a new Juventus player.
At the start of the summer transfer window, Manchester United prioritised reinforcing their attack, with Matheus Cunha arriving as the first new signing.
Cunha, 26, scored 15 Premier League goals last season and is expected to be a key figure at Old Trafford in the coming campaign.
The club is now targeting Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, and securing both Cunha and Mbeumo would greatly enhance Ruben Amorim’s attacking lineup.
But after those two players, United need to raise cash in order to sign anymore talents this summer and that made the possibility of bringing in Jonathan David for free an intriguing proposition for many fans.
David’s reaction to United transfer failure after Juventus move
David had been linked with a move to Old Trafford for several years and it was claimed to be one of his priority options this summer.
But after it became clear the Reds weren’t coming calling, the ex-Lille striker decided to join Juventus, with the move announced on Friday.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now revealed that David and his camp were left ‘shocked’ by the lack of significant talks with United and other Premier League clubs.
It was further explained that the 25-year-old has been asking for a ‘substantial wage packet’ which may explain why the Reds did not make a move.
“I get a lot of fans asking me about Jonathan David, and a lot of them are Manchester United fans,” Bailey told United In Focus.
“I have chased this with his people, and I can confirm they have been shocked by the lack of significant talks with most Premier League clubs, including United.
“Yes, David, who is joining Juventus now, was asking for a substantial wage packet, but he was on a free transfer.”
United concerns are rising ahead of pre-season
There is still plenty of time in the transfer window to find a striker but with pre-season beginning next week, concerns are starting to be raised within the United fanbase.
Currently, the Reds will only have Cunha as a first-team signing on the first day of pre-season. Young talent Diego Leon has also signed and will be present.
Frustrations are growing over the Mbeumo transfer, even if it still seems likely to happen, and there are not many clues about who will actually be playing upfront for Amorim next season.
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This mostly comes down to the lack of sales. No players have left United this summer for a transfer fee, with the only departures so far being those who’s contracts had expired.
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