In preparation for a 2022 trip to face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Ralf Rangnick advised the media that Manchester United must perform an “open-heart operation” on the first team.
At the time, individuals sneered at the suggestion, ridiculing the now-Austrian National chief for his vocal interpretation of matters at the Theatre of Dreams.
Fast forward to the present day, and his observations are playing out, with Erik ten Hag publicly confirming the German’s suggestions were correct in July.
It is anomalous that any organisation could be run so lacklustre – but Old Trafford has endured two decades of torment from a collection of perennially incompetent individuals.
Ten Hag is now attempting to harness a collective vision within his squad that has witnessed 17 departures and six arrivals since the Summer transfer window opened for business.
Generally speaking, it has been a largely successful period with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s best-in-class backroom team spearheaded by the widely respected Dan Ashworth.
Incomings and outgoings have been dealt with professionally, and United have refused to pay a fee beyond their expectation – as Everton witnessed following their refusal to negotiate a reasonable package for Jarrad Branthwaite.
But, with the supporter base bleeding following a gut-wrenching defeat to Liverpool, has the required summer surgery been completed per the recommendations of Mr Rangnick?
Assessing the business at Old Trafford
Fans have welcomed a group of promising players who, on paper, are ideal additions to a systematic style of football at the home of the 20-time English champions.
In defence, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Leny Yoro have arrived for a combined total of £103.3 million, with the possibility of an additional £15.6m in performance-related add-ons.
The trio provide a mixture of youth, experience and undeniable talent, with the latter considered a generational teenager with the potential to grow into the finest defender in European football.
In midfield, highly-rated Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte sealed his dream move from Paris Saint-Germain for £42.2m plus a further £8.4m in add-ons.
The defensive battler provides world-class metrics in tackles, interceptions, recoveries and pass completion. His presence at the base of the midfield will supply undeniable assurance to those in front and behind him.
The highly promising Sekou Kone arrived for a fee of £1m from Guidars FC. The Mali under-17 international is touted as the next Yaya Toure, with a collection of inspirational midfield performances during the U17 World Cup and African Cup of Nations.
Finally, in attack, Joshua Zirkzee was acquired from Serie A side Bologna for £35.8m – with the fee to be repaid over three years. The 23-year-old offers a different dynamic to Rasmus Hojlund and has already netted the winner on his debut against Fulham.
Despite the nonsensical fees advertised in various publications, the six players have arrived for £182.3m, with an additional £24m in add-ons ‘should’ agreed criteria be met.
When considering the inflation of the football market in recent years, Ashworth and his team have achieved a remarkable feat that Rangnick would surely approve of.
Have we witnessed a successful heart operation?
The arrivals have certainly addressed areas of need with a calculated approach regarding ability and age profiling.
However, certain positions still require focus, with left-back remaining a ferocious area of concern with the regular unavailability of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
Diogo Dalot has deputised admirably, and Mazraoui is also capable, but Manchester United should not require players to ‘fill in’ during times of need.
While Zirkzee is a shrewd signing who will show his worth, a couple of niggling injuries to Rasmus Hojlund have left supporters worried.
Furthermore, with Ten Hag’s men leading the league for big chances missed (9), a killer instinct is craved during a frustrating period for the Old Trafford faithful.
That said, upon his arrival, Sir Jim was adamant it would take two to three summer windows to cultivate his desired first team, and much was achieved with departures.
While the exit of Scott McTominay has saddened many, offloading the wages and issues associated with Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho is a welcome relief to much of the fanbase.
Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial no longer command astronomical salaries, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Donny van de Beek moved on to new surroundings.
By and large, the heart operation was as successful as any supporter could have wished for in the opening months of a new regime. Like anything, arrivals will take time to acclimatise to their surroundings and familiarise themselves with their teammates.
With ample focus on the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules throughout, the club appears to be within a sound financial parameter to allow for future activity in January and next summer.
Ralf Rangnick suggested Manchester United needed an open-heart operation. Do you think the hierarchy has achieved this?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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