Over and out for Daniel James
I always wore the @ManUtd shirt with honour and pride.
Thank you to everyone at the club who I have worked with over the last 2 years.
I’ve made fantastic friends and memories, but now is time to move on to the next step.
All the best for the future! pic.twitter.com/vnSBDRekwS — Daniel James (@Daniel_James_97) August 31, 2021
Van de Beek's agent has a lot on his mind...
Donny vd Beek's agent, talking to VI: 'there was a lot of interest from Italy, Germany, England...so that looked good. But you need to cooperation of the club, and it looked like they would, but ultimately they didn't. Disapoint, but also assuring for him.' — Elko Born (@Elko_B) August 31, 2021
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ashley Edwards: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United finished off their transfer window by bringing back a club legend in Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is one of, if not, the greatest to have ever been seen on a football pitch and requires no introduction.
The 36-year-old had United fans worried for a short moment when it looked like he was going to join rivals, Manchester City. But, after encouraging words from ex-United teammates and his footballing father, Sir Alex Ferguson, Ronaldo followed his heart and made his return to Old Trafford.
The agreement between United and Juventus for the transfer is said to be a fee of €15m, which later on could be increased by €8m.
When talking about rejoining United, Ronaldo has said: “It’s a dream come true.” And United fans mirror that feeling.
Ronaldo in red - United release images of Cristiano Ronaldo in the new United shirt
Things you 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 to see! ❤
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 31, 2021
📸 @Cristiano#MUFC | #RonaldoReturns
Raphael Varane
Tom Millington:
United continued their summer spending by bringing experienced defender, Raphael Varane, to Old Trafford.
Many had been calling for the United board to bring in a quality centre-back to partner Maguire and out of nowhere, that’s exactly what they did.
The French defender has won a plethora of accolades throughout his career, including four Champions Leagues and a World Cup.
The United faithful will be hoping that the introduction of a serial winner will give the Red Devil’s a major boost in their quest for honours in this campaign.
For only £43 million, the signing of Varane appears to be a perfect piece of business - especially after his composed performance at Molineux on Sunday.
Jadon Sancho
Jack Walker:
The Red Devils' second signing of the window stole the headlines of every newspaper in the country when Jadon Sancho signed from Borussia Dortmund for £72m.
After leaving United's rivals, Manchester City, for Dortmund - the young winger rose to stardom in Germany.
With the ability to shoot with either foot and more trickery than a magician, Sancho's arrival was a statement of intent from the Club.
Whilst Marcus Rashford recovers from surgery on his shoulder injury, Sancho is expected to occupy positions on either side of a central striker; he predominantly starred on the left-wing in Germany but has been mostly used on the right-hand side by England manager, Gareth Southgate.
Despite only starting one of United's three Premier League games so far this season, we can expect him to be a mainstay in Solksjaer's starting XI as the men in red aim to win the league for the first time since 2013.
As the window closes we take a look at each of United's signings this summer
First up: Tom Heaton
United’s summer business was kicked off in ‘spectacular’ fashion with the return of Tom Heaton.
The experienced goalkeeper came back to the club he spent his formative years at on a free transfer from Aston Villa, with many fans speculating his arrival signalled the exit of either David De Gea or Dean Henderson.
With United's first-choice goalkeepers now set to stay, it appears as though only a miracle will see Heaton enjoy any sort of game time this season.
While his pre-season performances are worthy of credit and his experience and knowledge will no doubt prove fruitful for the rest of Ole Gunnar Solakjaer’s squad, it’s hard to envisage this signing going down as a Ronaldo-esque success story.
As United's transfer window comes to a close, we rate how we believe they ran their business
@TomMillington: Question marks have been raised over recruits in the recent past at Old Trafford, regarding the quality of players brought in and the money spent also.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side have successfully brought in Cristiano Ronaldo, Raphael Varane, Jadon Sancho and Tom Heaton for less than £125 million – a remarkably cheap fee when you consider the quality and experience arriving in Manchester.
Furthermore, the club have made a profit via the sale of Daniel James and have allowed a plethora of squad players to go out on load to gain first-team experience for the development of their careers.
Let's delve into just how successful United's window has been this summer so far.
United speaking to wonder-kid’s agent
@JRidge_Journo: Reports are emerging that Manchester United are among a host of clubs currently speaking to the agent of Sporting Lisbon’s young full-back Nuno Mendes.
Mendes has reportedly been allowed to leave Sporting on deadline day, putting a number of Europe’s elite clubs on alert.
Any potential deal for the player would likely cost upwards of €40 million, with Manchester City and Paris St. Germain the current favourites.
Leeds announce Daniel James
📞 The call has been answered! pic.twitter.com/u9j9YG5FUT — Leeds United (@LUFC) August 31, 2021
United to hold off on a full-back
@RyanBatty13: The interest in Kieran Trippier on Manchester United's behalf may not have faded, but he won't be making the move back to England this summer after the Reds and Atletico Madrid couldn't come to an agreement over a price.
The Spanish champions reportedly demanded in excess of £30m and such a price was deemed excessive by United.
United will stick with Diogo Dalot as their backup right-back this season, as the club fended off interest from Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan. Dalot may be used to link up with fellow countrymen Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo.
They will also keep a close eye on the young Ethan Laird, whose early returns at Swansea will be exciting to the academy team at Carrington.
Another midfielder not heading to Old Trafford
There’s nothing between Barcelona and Saúl. Chelsea are the only club now working again to sign Saúl on loan with buy option. The player wants to leave - negotiations ongoing with Atletico Madrid. 🔵 #CFC #Atleti
Atletico have to find a replacement now to complete Saúl deal. — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2021
James could become Leeds' most expensive player
@TomMillington: Although it looks like James' time at United is coming to an end, there is no doubt that his signing has proven to be a good bit of business.
Originally arriving at Old Trafford for £15 million, it would appear that The Red Devils will be making between £12-15 million profit from his departure when he leaves.
He also scored more than Romelu Lukaku last season...
Bargain of the century. Manchester United paying for Cristiano Ronaldo in five instalments of £2.5m — Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) August 31, 2021
Another update on Daniel James
Daniel James has also signed his contract with Leeds United to join the club on a permanent move from Manchester United. Done deal and confirmed. 🔴 #LUFC #MUFC — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2021
Ronaldo’s Fantasy Premier League price has been revealed
🚨 @Cristiano 𝙋𝙍𝙄𝘾𝙀 𝙍𝙀𝙑𝙀𝘼𝙇 🚨
🔙 in the #PL and 🔙 in your #FPL team? pic.twitter.com/Fk8Cb5Aqcc — Fantasy Premier League (@OfficialFPL) August 31, 2021
No loan deal for Elanga
Solskjaer told VAVEL what he thought about Elanga during pre-season: "If he keeps on like he is, I might want to keep him. As a manager, if they give you reasons to like them or reasons to play them, you have to play them!”
Not the most surprising news but some confirmations:
— Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) August 31, 2021
Jesse Lingard set to stay at #MUFC amid interest from West Ham + others.
Anthony Elanga also not going out on loan despite enquiries.@TheAthleticUKhttps://t.co/QLMPmAcxV4
Jorge Mendes trying to 'take Martial to PSG'
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer currently has plenty of attacking options with the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho. With Cavani extending his contract earlier this year, you've got to feel Martial's minutes on the pitch could become limited.
🗞 Jorge Mendes is acting as an intermediary and is trying to take Martial to PSG - but it is extremely complicated. Real Madrid continue without having an answer from PSG for Mbappe and at this time they assume his arrival is very difficult. [@RMadridistaReal]
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) August 31, 2021
United have done surprising deadline day deals before...
@RyanBatty13: While deadline day might be quiet for Manchester United so far, we've seen the Reds complete some late deals in the past.
Falcao's arrival in 2015 went close to the wire and was an overnight signing, while Odion Ighalo's loan deal in 2020 was started and finished late on in the day.
While Cristiano Ronaldo was confirmed today, it might not be wise to completely rule United out of further business today...
Cavani expected to stay
Manchester United are on the same position since days. Edinson Cavani is part of the project and if nothing crazy happens, he’s expected to stay. 🔴🇺🇾 #MUFC #DeadlineDay — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2021
Cavani on his way out?
It hasn't all been plain sailing for Cavani in recent months but nobody quite expected him to leave. According to Gerard Romero, negotiations are 'advanced' with Barcelona. Could United's deadline day signing of last year, be destined for a deadline day exit today? Unlikely, but not unheard of.
🔥 CAVANI ES EL NUEVE con el que trabaja el #Barça Negociaciones muy avanzadas con el jugador y trabajando con el Manchester United. Lo estamos explicando en https://t.co/vrsj4XOUJL #mercatojijantes #mercato
— Gerard Romero (@gerardromero) August 31, 2021
Ronaldo addresses United fans in latest Instagram post
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has his say on bringing Ronaldo back
“You run out of words to describe Cristiano. He is not only a marvellous player, but also a great human being. To have the desire and the ability to play at the top level for such a long period requires a very special person.
"I have no doubt that he will continue to impress us all and his experience will be so vital for the younger players in the squad. Ronaldo’s return demonstrates the unique appeal of this club and I am absolutely delighted he is coming home to where it all started.”
“Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart"
Cristiano Ronaldo on his return: “Manchester United is a club that has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been overwhelmed by all the messages I have received since the announcement on Friday.
“I cannot wait to play at Old Trafford in front of a full stadium and see all the fans again. I'm looking forward to joining up with the team after the international games, and I hope we have a very successful season ahead.”
Official: Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United is complete!
🇵🇹🔴 𝗩𝗜𝗩𝗔 𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗗𝗢 🔴🇵🇹
🏡 @Cristiano is back!#MUFC | #RonaldoReturns — Manchester United (@ManUtd) August 31, 2021
Daniel James' exit could see Ronaldo return as the #7
With Daniel James' expected exit to Leeds United, that leaves the #21 shirt vacant at United and Edinson Cavani could switch to that number. He did wear that number for the majority of his time with the Uruguay national team. If he was to switch, United would still need special permission from the Premier League to make Ronaldo the #7 due to the season already being underway and the players have been registered with their numbers.
Juventus say farewell to Cristiano Ronaldo
101 goal e 5 trofei in ⚪️⚫️
Ciao, @Cristiano! pic.twitter.com/DqbA188Gjw — JuventusFC (@juventusfc) August 31, 2021
Not many midfield options left for United...
With Camavinga off to Real Madrid and Saul Niguez reportedly not signing for United, that leaves Ruben Neves from the shortlist - created by United supporters across social media channels - to fill the defensive midfield slot.
Neves played against United in Wolves' 1-0 loss at the weekend and was involved in a controversial moment as he and Paul Pogba went in for a loose ball. Pogba clashed with Neves' shin and the Portuguese midfielder went down injured. United played on, the ball found its way to Greenwood who then smashed home the winner.
Wolves have recently been linked with a loan move for Renato Sanches - which has made both sets of fans contemplate whether Neves could be on his way out of Molineux for Old Trafford.
Solskjaer set to lose a solid squad piece
@RyanBatty13: Daniel James wasn't the most flashy arrival in a £15m move from Swansea, but his arrival came at the start of the rebuild.
Perhaps overexposed early in his United career, the winger did well to establish himself in the squad and became a trusted member of Solskjaer's fringes.
His quality on the counter-attack and ability to thrive against man-marking systems will be missed by Solskjaer, but earning regular minutes is a must for the Wales international.
The arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo made his long-term future untenable, but he will possibly have the claim to fame of the most emotional moment in the post-Ferguson era with a delightful debut goal against Chelsea in 2019.
Eduardo Camavinga will not be joining Manchester United
Camavinga has been a name associated with United this summer but the deal never seemed to take off. It's understood that United did hold talks with Camavinga's representatives but accepted the fact he favoured a move to Real Madrid. And that now looks like it has been confirmed, as per Fabrizio Romano.
Eduardo Camavinga to Real Madrid: HERE WE GO! The offer has been accepted tonight by Rennes. €31m plus add ons. Medical already completed tonight. ⚪️🚨 #DeadlineDay
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2021
Paperworks are signed. Official today. He goes to Real NOW - no loan. Camavinga picks Real over Man Utd and PSG. pic.twitter.com/lMCkuM4Nig
Who could be on their way out of Old Trafford on deadline day?
According to multiple reports, United could wave goodbye to Daniel James in a move to Leeds United for a figure of around £30million.
James played against Wolves in United's narrow 1-0 victory on the weekend but was hooked after 53 minutes.
There have been rumours all summer linking Jesse Lingard to a return to West Ham United after an impressive short loan spell last season, however, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted Lingard is in his plans for this season.
And with West Ham seemingly close to signing CSKA Moscow playmaker, Nikola Vlasic, for €30m - that would all but rule out a move to the London Stadium for the United midfielder.
They've also had some busts...
United have done some great business on deadline day in previous years
Hello and welcome to transfer deadline day!
Welcome to our transfer deadline day blog where we will be providing you with the latest updates regarding Manchester United's activity as the window comes to a close.