The Reds adopted a clear recruitment strategy in the early stages of the market, bringing in Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund as three of the clubs main targets before the start of the season. This plan was disrupted, though, by an injury to Luke Shaw and Uniteds early problems in midfield, leading to the loan signings Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon on deadline day, plus Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayndr.
In terms of outgoings, the club bid farewell to long-standing number one David De Gea. United also took the opportunity to cash in on fringe players as Erik ten Hag trimmed his squad, with Fred, Alex Telles, Anthony Elanga and Dean Henderson all sealing permanent exits.
Ten Hag is aware of the excitement that the prospect of new players can bring to fans throughout the summer months. However, the manager is glad that the window has finally slammed shut, allowing himself and the squad to concentrate on their work ahead, without the external distractions that come with the transfer market.
Asked if the transfer window shutting was a good thing for him, Ten Hag told Uniteds club website, Yeah, definitely. Those weeks are not easy but for the audience they probably like it – all the rumours, all the noise.
But it gives a lot of distraction and the demand on the squad and everyone involved is huge because you have to keep the focus on the right point, that is keep the quality, match the standards so that you have a good game.
