Manchester United have struggled for the past couple of years, and the club now expects to undergo a complete revamp with signings designed to make an impact on the field. One such signing the club closely monitored was that of a prominent goalkeeper. However, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Man United could not reach to a common conclusion for which even though the club made significant changes in their attacking line – up but could not galvanize their defensive and goalkeeping department, which may have impacted their defeat to Man City. Transfer market analyst Fabrizio Romano drafted the inside news of the deal falling apart into a theorized conclusion, and his revelations are nothing short of shocking and regretful.
Gianluigi Donnarumma and Man United – Budding Love to Breakup
During the summer transfer window, Manchester United had eyes on having a central midfield and improving the defensive line up. Since United lost a central midfielder, they shifted focus to goalkeepers and narrowed their choice down to three prospects — Gianluigi Donnarumma, Senne Lammens, and Emiliano Martinez. Since the deal with Donnarumma fell off, the red devils invested in Lammens . A €21m plus €4m in add-ons deal was sealed with Royal Antwerp on deadline day. The former PSG star ultimately made a move to their Manchester counterparts – Man City at a fee of €35m in total. As if it was not enough, Donnarumma started the game against Man United and was influential in the Cityzens victory with making impressive saves as well. All this featured in as salt on United’s wound.
Gianluigi Donnarumma and Man United- The Fallout
Donnarumma was actually instrumental in United’s defeat as he made two great saves to keep them at bay and certainly a great addition to the City squad, nonetheless. On further inspection, Fabrizio Romano revealed that the club had not initiated any official bid or negotiation for the goalkeeper, a factor that may cause the transfer to fall through Even though the club could afford the price, Manchester United presented the decision as part of a bigger strategy. “Well Man Utd, apart from the transfer fee, didn’t want to spend big money on a salary. Because of the FFP situation, because of the salary structure they have, because of what they’re doing in terms of salary internally at the club.” – Said Fabrizio Romano. Now whether the move is actually strategic or just air – that remains to be seen.
Aftermath
With the deal falling off, the Red Devils have put their faith on Lammens who didn’t have his name on the starting line-up. Just spending one season at Belgian Topflight football, there is still a long way to go to reach the heights of Donnarumma and with age on his side, it certainly looks possible. The only thing that may cause hindrance is the game-time which would be essential for the new recruit to prove his worth to the club, and it looks like it may be a little difficult under the new manager.
Author’s Opinion
According to the current scenario, the fortunes shine the brightest for City as the new investment looks a deal worth every penny. Manchester United surely miss out on a big name and as a big club and bagging him would not only help them on pitch but also provide some brand value relief and market boost as well. Although United state that they made the decision with a sane and calculated mind, they will find it a painful pill to swallow if it backfires—especially as they risk losing not only a top player but also losing him to their neighbours. All they can do is hope that Lammens becomes the goalkeeper they deserve since De Gea left and certainly do better than African Legend that is Onana!
