Sensational deadline day as van Gaal makes his mark
Louis van Gaal
By Chris
September 22 2014
On a sensational transfer deadline day (complete with extra time!) at Old Trafford, Louis van Gaal’s relentless approach to transfer dealings continued, as Manchester United made the shock signing of Falcao from Monaco on loan, whilst local lad Danny Welbeck departed the club for rivals Arsenal on a permanent basis.
On the eve of the window slamming shut (it never just closes!), and with the Manchester Evening News telling us Daley Blind's pending arrival would be United's final summer splurge, speculation began to circulate on social media that United had been alerted to the availability of Monaco's goal machine Falcao.
The Colombian's loan switch to Lancashire, with an option for a permanent switch later, stole the headlines on a pulsating final day of transfer dealings, as Van Gaal continues to usher in wholesale changes in personnel and philosophy at the Theatre of Dreams.
The departure of Welbeck, a Red Devils youth product, was the other big story of the day; as the curtain fell on a transfer window which has seen fans witness an arguably unsettling change in transfer policy from the club, with transfer records tumbling, marquee signings arriving and familiar faces - including Javier Hernandez - departing.
Here's a summary of the main comings-and-goings on what was certainly a deadline day to remember for Red Devils supporters.
| In - Falcao 'El Tigre' joins on loan from Monaco for £6million fee |
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Whilst a vacant 'Number 9' jersey suggested LVG was considering his options up front, nobody saw this one coming! The 28-year-old Monaco forward has arrived at Old Trafford initially on a loan basis, with the Red Devils splashing out £6million on the season-long deal. Reports suggest he will earn £250,000-per-week, and he will look to replicate his incredible goalscoring form at places like River Plate, Porto, Atletico Madrid and Monaco with his new club. The deal includes an option for United to buy the player on a permanent basis for £43.5million. A jaw-dropping signing. |
| OUT – Danny Welbeck £16million move to Gunners divides supporters |
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| Like the Falcao deal, this deal scraped through as the transfer window effectively entered ‘time added on’. Many United fans have mixed emotions as they bid farewell to Welbeck. The local lad never established himself at the club amid intense competition for places, and LVG’s willingness to sell him to a rival club perhaps suggests the Dutchman is not fhe fondest admirer of the striker. He leaves United having scored 29 goals for the club from 142 appearances, but – in all honesty - will get the chance to rejuvenate his Premier League and international career in North London. |
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| IN – Daley Blind Ajax switch complete in £13.8million move |
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Blind’s arrival was already widely-reported, and the Netherlands international completed his move on deadline day. The Red Devils have splashed out £13.8million for the versatile 24-year-old’s services, with Blind able to operate as a left-back or, most likely, in a defensive midfield role. The current Dutch Player of the Season, Blind joins the club from Ajax, having helped the Amsterdam giants win four successive Eredivisie titles. |
| OUT – Javier Hernandez Loan move to Real, and it could be permanent |
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| ‘Little Pea’ has made an eyebrow-raising switch to Real Madrid on a season-long loan basis. Having struggled for first-team opportunities with United, the Mexican will get the chance to impress for the European champions, in a move he has described as a "dream come true for any player in the world". Los Blancos have the option to buy the 26-year-old after the loan; with the player having made 154 appearances for United – 69 from the bench - scoring an impressive 59 goals. |
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| OUT – Tom Cleverley Season-long switch to Villa Park for under-fire England international |
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| A string of poor performances have seen Cleverley’s stock amongst United’s supporters diminish significantly, and the player may now have played his final game for the club. He will be hoping to lease new life into his flagging career as he spends the rest of the season at Aston Villa, having made 79 appearances as a Red Devil. Reports hinted that rumoured moves to either Villa or Everton were off the table; but a late switch to the Midlands was agreed, and finally confirmed after the window closed. |
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| OUT – Nick Powell Crewe man out on loan until the end of the season |
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| Battling for first-team recognition at United, Powell - a £4million signing from Crewe in 2012 – will be looking to seize the chance to impress on loan at Leicester City. The attack-minded midfielder has joined the Foxes until the end of the season. Highly-regarded by many Red Devils supporters, Nigel Pearson will be hoping the 22-year-old can help keep his club in England’s top-flight. Keep an eye out for his impressive, long-range punts at goal in the blue of Leicester. |
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| OUT – Tom Lawrence Prospect makes switch to Foxes |
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| Young Welsh defender Tom Lawrence has also followed Powell to Leicester, but on a permanent basis. The 20-year-old has only one United appearance to is name, but has been tipped for a bright future by many. He has signed a four-year deal at Leicester, and will be hoping to establish himself as a regular feature in the Premier League with the newly-promoted club. |
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| OUT – Michael Keane Midfielder gets chance to impress with Lancashire rivals |
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| Stockport-born Keane has already had spells at Leicester, Derby County and Blackburn Roberts, and will be looking to boost his Premier League pedigree at Burnley. The 21-year-old has made one league appearance as a substitute for United, and appeared in the League Cup for the club on four occasions. Having featured twice already under van Gaal, however, the switch to Turf Moor provides Keane with an opportunity to prove his credentials to United’s new Dutch boss. |
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