Six transfers Man Utd missed out on in 2020 & how they’re faring this season
Manchester United endured another fraught summer transfer window, missing out on some of their top targets.
United brought in the likes of Donny van de Beek and Edison Cavani but tried to make even more reinforcements to build upon a strong second half to 2019-20.
We’ve looked at six players that United were heavily linked with during the summer to see how they’ve fared this season.
Jack Grealish
Currently England’s latest golden boy, Grealish has enjoyed a brilliant start to the new season.
Central to Aston Villa’s style of play, the midfielder has been instrumental in the eye-catching thrashings of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is not short of options in midfield or attack, but Grealish’s form suggests he could have made a big difference at Old Trafford.
READ: Jack Grealish & the spin of a man dancing around the cynics
Jadon Sancho
The most high-profile transfer saga of the summer, United’s pursuit of the Borussia Dortmund winger barely left the headlines during the off-season and many could be forgiven for thinking Sancho was destined for Old Trafford.
Instead, he stayed in Germany and has already contributed two goals and two assists in nine appearances in all competitions.
READ: We’re starting to suspect Jadon Sancho is trying to make full-backs cry now
Dayot Upamecano
Upamecano is one of Europe’s most sought-after defenders, with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Bayern Munich joining United in being linked with the 22-year-old.
Currently marshalling Leipzig’s defence, Upamecano made his France debut in the Nations League match with Sweden in September 2020 and has played in all but one of his club’s Bundesliga matches to date, scoring one goal.
With United desperately looking for a centre-back, Upamecano’s form has surely caught the eye of Ed Woodward.
Sergio Reguilon
United fancied adding the Real Madrid left-back to their squad but were beaten to his signature by Tottenham and signed Alex Telles instead.
Reguilon has settled well in north London and has contributed two assists during his four Premier League appearances to date.
He has also adapted to life under Jose Mourinho much better than some Manchester United players, telling Cadena SER: “With Mourinho, very good. Honestly, great. I like this type of coach: demanding, intense.”
If he can cope with Mourinho, then Reguilon would surely have thrived at Old Trafford.
READ: Seven players with buyback clauses: Reguilon, Brewster, Sancho & more
Jude Bellingham
Having taken the Championship by storm with Birmingham City, 17-year-old Bellingham was heavily linked with a move to United over the past two transfer windows.
But the youngster moved to Germany, signing for Borussia Dortmund. Already this season, he has scored in a German Cup game and provided two assists, including one in the Champions League, before recently becoming England’s third-youngest full international.
READ: It took Jude Bellingham just 45 minutes to show he’s perfect for BVB
Ousmane Dembele
As other transfer targets fell by the wayside, United became linked with a loan move for Barcelona winger Dembele.
With the Spanish club eager to reshape their squad, United were reportedly confident of signing the France international, only for Barca t decide that Dembele would stay and fight for his place at the Nou Camp.
Since then, Dembele has scored twice in the Champions League and has started three La Liga games for the club.
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