Manchester United are facing a summer of missed targets and being forced to watch their rivals swoop in to hijack deals.
Chelsea's move for Geovany Quenda this week came out of nowhere, sparking concerns over what's to come. The Blues agreed a fee of £40million for the 17-year-old and will join the Premier League side next summer, spending the 2025/25 season on loan at Sporting CP.
Since Ruben Amorim moved to Old Trafford last year, Quenda has been linked with following him. The United boss handed the teenager his senior debut in August and his versatility to play in a number of positions made him an attractive asset.
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However, he won't be joining Amorim. The Manchester Evening News understands United never submitted a bid for Quenda prior to Chelsea's move, despite meeting with influential agent Jorge Mendes last year.
It's thought Patrick Dorgu's arrival in January impacted their interest, with the former Lecce wing-back fitting in nicely at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, it's one target that United won't be signing this summer.
It's a pattern that United fans may have to get used to. The financial problems faced at Old Trafford mean they may fail to compete with their rivals, particularly if United crash out of Europe and fail to bring in the prize money of qualifying for the Champions League.
However, one transfer that they must be all over before their rivals are is Angel Gomes. The former United academy star will become a free agent in June upon the expiry of his contract at Lille and a return to Carrington has been tipped.
Since joining the French in 2020, Gomes has established himself and even earned his England debut. Clubs are lining-up for his signature with West Ham and Tottenham said to be eyeing a move.
According to Give Me Sport, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has personally been driving negotiations for the 24-year-old as part of his plan to bring him to north London. For United, that can't happen.
Gomes would be a significant improvement to Amorim's options in midfield, even more so with Christian Eriksen set to leave the club. Signing him on a free is a no-brainer. After missing out on Quenda, United must do all they can to beat their rivals to this signing.
