Henry Winter
@henrywinter
Even with all the problems at Manchester United they are still the biggest club in the country, probably second only to Real Madrid globally*. Even with the wretched Glazers, the debt, decaying stadium and years of poor recruitment, over-paying and under-achieving post-Sir Alex Ferguson, United are still a huge draw. That will be confirmed if Benjamin Sesko does follow Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in signing for a team who finished 15th last season.
Great clubs don’t lose their reputation overnight. United have a huge fanbase locally, nationally and internationally. It’s why the media cover them in such endless depth. Interest. It does need highlighting that the club laid off hundreds of loyal staff to save money and still have £70m for a 22-year-old. Sesko still an upgrade on the willing but shot-shy Rasmus Hojlund. United just need a dynamic Baleba-type in midfield and probably a more reliable goalkeeper than Andre Onana.
It’s still a long way back, other clubs have far better squads and are far better run, but United have a good head coach in Ruben Amorim determined to make his 3-4-2-1 system work (still a sadness for those of us who love United’s tradition of flying wingers). They have bought well this summer with Cunha and Mbeumo, who bring goals, assists and PL nous, also there’s the promise of 18-year-old Diego Leon. Patrick Dorgu looks to have settled in. Amad excellent. Mason Mount is fit, creating and scoring pre-season, but he’s 4th on the list for the two 10 slots. Amorim still has plenty to sort out.
#MUFC
*the biggest club in the country/world will always be *your* club - because they matter most to you.