To paraphrase Karl Marx, history repeats itself, the first time as tragedy, the second time as farce. While it’s very unlikely that the German political philosopher had United’s transfer policy in mind when he coined that statement, those words sum up the struggle that this summer has been. And quite exquisitely too.
For months, even before United lifted the title last season in fact, we have been reminded of the importance of strengthening the midfield, of the paramount necessity of adding muscle and technique to the engine room to avoid becoming over reliant on Michael Carrick. The likes of Thiago Alcantara, Cesc Fabregas, Marouane Fellaini and Luka Modric were all, more or less intensely, linked with a move to United but it seems that now, less than a month before the start of the season, David Moyes might not add any new faces to his squad.
Nobody.
Ed Woodward had promised David Moyes at least one top signing ahead of the Scot’s first season in charge of the club, but Moyes has admitted the Godot he’s been waiting for more than two months might not materialise at all, as the United manager expressed doubts over a third bid for Cesc Fabregas.
“I couldn’t tell you if there will be another bid (for Fabregas), but obviously we’ll take stock of it and decide what we’re going to do next,” Moyes told the Mirror.
“I’ve never at any time said that we would get him. We have just made offers that have been rejected, so we’ll take stock of the situation and we’ll go from there.
“We hoped we would [have signed players by now], but what we’ve got here already is a really good squad of players.
“Undoubtedly, we’re hoping to add to it, and I’m confident we will do before the transfer window shuts.
“We’ve got until September 2 this year, that’s transfer deadline day, so I’m confident we’ll have players in by then.”
More worryingly for those who had hoped to see a world class player joining the club this summer and are worried about City and Chelsea’s spending sprees, David Moyes is growing increasingly confident that his current crop of players is good enough as it is and might not require further additions, claims the Telegraph.
It is the squad that finished 15 points clear at top of the Premier League, so yes, I’m confident with the squad,” said the United manager. “I have also got a few more players that I’ve not even met yet.
“This squad, without any additions, will be tough opponents for any team this season. They will be looking at Manchester United.”
Whether they’ll be looking up or down, remains to be seen.
