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Manchester United, the most successful English team of all times has been going through a rough phase in the past few weeks. Though there are a number of factors responsible for their downfall, failure in signing their transfer targets can be considered one of the most important reasons for this decline.
In the last few seasons, Manchester United has not been able to bring their key transfer targets to Old Trafford. Hence The Red Devils are facing a crisis with the defense, and lack creativity in the middle. Many of the signings secured were the original second choices. Manchester United's major transfer failures can be summed up below.
#1 Sadio Mane (Southampton to Liverpool)
Sadio Mane was an impressive player during his time at Southampton. He was known for his pace and his ability to get on top of the defenders. Louis Van Gaal, the former Netherlands manager had a difficult time getting goals from his squad during his time as the manager of Manchester United.
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The likes of Robin Van Persie and Wayne Rooney were in poor form at that time, therefore Louis Van Gaal wanted to secure the signing of Sadio Mane from Southampton. However, the deal did not take off, and Mane signed for Liverpool after a year.
He has been a revelation at Liverpool since then. Mane is Liverpool's new number 10, and is on the way to help Liverpool secure a major trophy after a really long time.
#2 Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia to Manchester City)
After the departure of the likes of Nemanja Vidic, Rio Ferdinand, and Patrice Evra, Manchester United was in a serious defensive crisis. New signings Marcus Rojo and Daley Blind had a tough start to the season, and The Red Devils were on the lookout for a strong defender.
Nicolas Otamendi, the Argentine defender at Valencia then, was locked as the target. However, due to Manchester United's mediocre performances, Otamendi joined Manchester City instead.
#3 Pedro (Barcelona to Chelsea)
Chelsea's hijack of Manchester United's move for Pedro were signs of a crisis at United. With the establishment of Messi, Neymar, and Suarez's partnership at Barcelona, Pedro had a lack of game time.
The Red Devils needed a winger, and Pedro was all set to sign for the Old Trafford Club. However, Pedro eventually signed for Chelsea, and it was a disappointment to United's fans.
#4 Roberto Firmino (1899 Hoffenheim to Liverpool)
The Brazilian striker was in red-hot form for the German club when he was considered for the role of a striker at United. Bobby Firmino had to reject the move due to his concerns about Manchester United's style of play.
He later signed for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, and also netted a goal in the Champions League final last season. He has now become Liverpool's main striker, and also represented Brazil at the World Cup.
