Glen Johnson has claimed signing one former Manchester United star was a ‘mistake’ after his poor start to life at his new club.
Manchester United and the transfer market is a combination that will never fail to cause headlines, whether that is paying over the odds for players or not charging enough.
Transfer deals for the likes of Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alexis Sanchez always pop. As for outgoing deals, the success of players like Scott McTominay, Anthony Elanga and even Antony when they have left the club always comes up in debates.
There is a long way to go, but in recent times the club have begun to improve the way they go about transfers. The signings of Bryan Mbeumo and Senne Lammens in the summer have largely been successes, and while they need to do a lot more, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Šeško have shown flashes of what they can do.
However, it is the way the club dealt with outgoing transfers in the summer that impressed more, showing a different side than previously, as the club was largely not held for ransom.
Johnson criticises Garnacho’s Chelsea move
Alejandro Garnacho is a story of what could have been at Manchester United. An academy graduate making 144 appearances for the club, who also scored in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and won two trophies, is the stuff of dreams for many people.
The Argentine was clearly seen at the time as the future of United alongside Kobbie Mainoo, Amad and Rasmus Højlund. In 2026, only Amad and Mainoo remain at the club.
Following the explosive interview after the Europa League final loss, his antics throughout the season and on the post-season tour, it was quickly clear that Garnacho’s future was no longer in a red shirt as he set his eyes on signing for Chelsea.
However, after a £40 million move to the blue side of London, which was initially seen as a coup for Chelsea, it has not gone to plan so far.
Speaking to the Metro, former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has criticised the move; he said: “I think Alejandro Garnacho has been disappointing since he signed for Chelsea. It was a mistake to sign him, and not because of his ability, as I think he is talented, but Chelsea have an abundance of great wingers.
“‘He can cause havoc on his day, for sure, but one goal so far this season [in the Premier League] just isn’t enough for the money they spent on him.”
Blueprint for future transfers
With United often being seen as a “destination” club, it is obvious that the fees the club get for outgoings will never be astronomical like the fees for players from clubs likes Borrussia Dortmund, Ajax and even Brighton.
Despite this, the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have shown that regardless of that label being on the clubs, you can still achieve great fees for outgoing players, whether that is through add-ons or sell-on percentages.
In the past, the club have been guilty of either selling players for sub £5-10 million fees or letting them go for free, which has always disadvantaged the club.
The way in which United approached the exit deal for Garnacho should provide the blueprint for future exits, like with Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte, who have been linked with moves away as early as this month.
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