It’s no secret that Manchester United have been reckless with money ever since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.
Aiming to throw cash at the problems that have arisen has seldom solved their issues, with the Red Devils lifting just three pieces of major silverware since his departure.
Having spent over €1.3bn (£1.1bn) since 2013 over six different managers, United are a club who seem to be run with no clue as to what their end goal is.
Players are bought who do not fit systems, simply because fans demand it so, or because they are big names. This structure is no better exemplified than in the 2019 signing of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with the defensive full-back having never really hit the ground running at Old Trafford since.
Purchased from Crystal Palace for a fee rising to £50m after his breakout season at the club, the defender was lauded for his tackling and ability in one-on-one defending.
Speaking at the time, manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer called him “exactly the type of player” United needed, despite the modern full back being preferred for their offensive exploits.
Unsurprisingly, the 24-year-old has struggled for all the managers he has worked under. Last season, he did not produce a single attacking return. For comparison, Trent Alexander-Arnold recorded 12 assists and two goals.
His performances even led to Diogo Dalot regaining a spot in the starting lineup, despite being shipped out on loan the season prior and seemingly deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher once described him, and his defensive ability, as “reckless.”
Not only did United have to fork out his enormous fee for the then 21-year-old, his reported wages of £90k-per-week over his three-year stay means the Reds have in total had to unload over £60m for a player who has offered little in the way of repaying it.
His current Transfermarkt valuation of £27m is indicative of yet another player who has come to the red side of Manchester and declined in ability. Luckily, for a change, there will be some sell-on value, which is more than can be said for some of United’s other financial missteps over the years.
With another big summer on the horizon and a new manager looking to overhaul the squad, now would be the perfect time for Manchester United to clear the squad of deadwood like Wan-Bissaka.
He is already reported to be available for a transfer. These players are not bad footballers, just unfortunately not the right fit for this club, and as Noel Whelan put it, “nowhere near” the level.
A tale told all too often around Old Trafford.
In other news, Manchester United are also reportedly willing to let another of their stars leave. Find out who here.