Manchester United secured “phenomenal” transfer of an “elite” star this summer, says experts

According to European football experts, Manchester United have pulled off a “phenomenal” transfer of an “elite” star this summer.

Manchester United have kicked off their summer transfer window with assertive moves, acquiring Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36 million and snapping up the promising 18-year-old centre-back Leny Yoro from Lille for £52 million.

The signing of Yoro has received widespread applause, as United and INEOS outmanoeuvred Real Madrid in the bidding, highlighting their strategic ambitions.

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To further strengthen their squad, United also brought Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich for a combined fee slightly exceeding £50 million.

The transfer of De Ligt from Bayern to United shocked many, with fans of the German club even petitioning for the deal to be blocked. Two European football experts feel that it is one of the best transfers of the summer.

“They are getting a young, ball-playing centre-back who has got experience at the elite level,” expert David Cartlidge said on the On the Continent podcast, speaking about Matthijs de Ligt.

“And who, for me, can still potentially be a world-class centre-back as well.

“I think (Man United have played this deal) really well.”

Andy Brassell, Fellow ‘On the Continent’ member, believes that De Ligt largely outshone Upamecano during the last two seasons, praising the “phenomenal” transfer.

“Who’s to say it didn’t work out? I think there is a bit of a myth going around about De Ligt at Bayern, to be honest,” Cartlidge expanded. “If you look at his two seasons, he played regularly. He started 61 games.

“I think he’s left Bayern because they had an offer for him. If they got an offer for Upamecano before they got one for De Ligt, I think they would have sold Upamecano. Of course they would.

“I think it’s a phenomenal move for Man United. Think back to the start of the window, they were chasing Jarrad Branthwaite and getting quoted £70 – 75 million for him. They’ve managed to get De Ligt and Mazraoui for below that price.

“It’s an excellent bit of business to get two players of their ages to add to that depth. A clear improvement on what they had, and what they have. So they should be really excited about that.”

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