Cristiano Ronaldo, Alexis Sanchez, and the Eight Transfer Bullets Man City Dodged: A Tale of Flops at Man Utd
The transfer market in football is always filled with excitement and anticipation. Clubs invest millions of dollars in players, hoping to find the missing piece that will lead them to glory. Sometimes, however, these high-profile signings end up as major flops. In this article, we will delve into the curious case of Cristiano Ronaldo, Alexis Sanchez, and the eight transfer bullets that Manchester City dodged, only to witness their subsequent struggles at Manchester United.
The Bullet Dodged: Cristiano Ronaldo
Background
Cristiano Ronaldo is undeniably one of the greatest footballers of all time. His electrifying speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability have made him a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. In 2003, Manchester United swooped in and signed Ronaldo from Sporting Lisbon, a move that would alter the course of his career.
The Flop at Man Utd
Despite his initial struggles to adapt to the physicality and pace of the Premier League, Ronaldo gradually found his footing and became a key player for Manchester United. His six successful seasons at Old Trafford brought numerous trophies, including three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
The Bullet Dodged: Alexis Sanchez
Background
Alexis Sanchez was a highly sought-after forward known for his tenacity, versatility, and impressive goal-scoring record. In 2018, Manchester United secured his services from Arsenal, aiming to bolster their attacking options.
The Flop at Man Utd
Unfortunately for Manchester United, Sanchez failed to replicate his previous success at Old Trafford. Injuries, lackluster performances, and an inability to integrate into the team’s style of play hindered his progress. Despite intermittent flashes of brilliance, Sanchez ultimately failed to live up to expectations.
The Eight Transfer Bullets
While Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez may be the most prominent examples, Manchester City narrowly avoided several other transfer flops when they opted against signing certain players who later struggled at Manchester United. Let’s take a closer look at these “bullet dodged” scenarios:
1. Radamel Falcao
Once considered one of the world’s most feared strikers, Falcao’s move to Manchester United in 2014 was met with high expectations. However, he failed to replicate his previous form and struggled to adapt to the Premier League. Manchester City was wise to refrain from pursuing this transfer.
2. Bastian Schweinsteiger
As a seasoned German international and former Bayern Munich legend, Schweinsteiger’s arrival at Manchester United in 2015 generated excitement. Unfortunately, injuries hampered his impact, and he struggled to make a lasting impression. Manchester City’s decision to avoid this transfer proved prudent.
3. Angel Di Maria
Di Maria’s transfer to Manchester United in 2014 was a record-breaking deal at the time. Despite a promising start, he failed to settle in England and quickly fell out of favor. Manchester City’s decision to pass on this transfer prevented a potential disappointment.
4. Memphis Depay
Depay arrived at Manchester United in 2015 with a burgeoning reputation as a talented winger. However, he struggled to adapt to the physicality and demands of the Premier League. Manchester City’s astute assessment prevented a potential flop.
5. Morgan Schneiderlin
Schneiderlin’s transfer to Manchester United in 2015 was seen as a step up for the midfielder. Unfortunately, he failed to establish himself and was eventually sold. Manchester City’s decision to steer clear of this transfer proved shrewd.
6. Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Mkhitaryan’s move to Manchester United in 2016 was met with anticipation, but he struggled to make a significant impact during his time at the club. Manchester City’s foresight prevented a possible disappointment.
7. Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku joined Manchester United in 2017 as a highly-regarded striker, but his time at the club was marred by inconsistencies and criticism. Manchester City’s prudent decision-making prevented a potential setback.
8. Fred
Fred’s transfer to Manchester United in 2018 raised eyebrows, but he failed to make a consistent impact in midfield. Manchester City’s avoidance of this transfer proved advantageous.
In the unpredictable world of football transfers, Manchester City managed to dodge a series of bullets by refraining from pursuing certain players who later struggled at Manchester United. While Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez may be the most notable examples, the likes of Falcao, Schweinsteiger, Di Maria, Depay, Schneiderlin, Mkhitaryan, Lukaku, and Fred also failed to reach their full potential at the red side of Manchester. Such instances serve as a reminder that even the most promising signings can falter under different circumstances.