‘Second thoughts’: Reputable journo confirms two United targets have been deterred by club’s dismal start

According to the Daily Mail’s Confidential column, two Manchester United targets are now having ‘second thoughts’ about joining the club due to their dismal start to the season.

It’s becoming a sad state of affairs when top prospects are being put off the opportunity of joining the 20-time champions, yet, in the current regime, no player is set up to flourish. 

Still, the Red Devils bolstered their ranks in the summer with the additions of five relatively high-profile senior signings. Matthijs de Ligt is a previous Golden Boy winner, while Manuel Ugarte was once one of the most sought-after defensive midfielders in Europe.

Beating Real Madrid to Leny Yoro’s signature was certainly a respectable coup by INEOS’ transfer chiefs, and it was one order of business that proved United still have the pull to pip the likes of the reigning La Liga and Champions League winners to an up-and-coming prodigy – for now, anyway.

United could miss out on priority targets unless form drastically improves

Chris Wheeler’s report today revealed that United’s form, which has seen them record their worst-ever start to a league campaign since the Premier League was formed, has two ‘recent targets’ hesitant about whether a move to Old Trafford would better their careers.

Neither player was named, although you could form an assumption based on previous links. For example, the club had two bids rejected for Jarrad Branthwaite in the last window and are expected to return for him in 2025. 

He’s integral to Everton, and while they’ll be doing their utmost to keep him on Merseyside, they will presumably grow resigned to losing the England international. In turn, he’ll also know that he’ll have his pick of potential suitors if he enjoys a stellar personal campaign akin to last season’s.