Manchester United had a 9/10 transfer window. Here's a look at their business and what else needs to be done to boost the squad in January.

THE TRANSFER WINDOW WAS A SUCCESS BECAUSE

Jose Mourinho brought in specialist players, as promised, well ahead of the transfer deadline. With the exception of Paul Pogba, who had an extended holiday after France reached the Euro 2016 final, the new signings were able to take part in the preseason and several training sessions ahead of the season.

United fans could have only dreamed of bringing in someone like Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the post-Ferguson years. His best seasons are behind him, obviously, but in terms of experience and match-winning quality, it's hard to match him. What he can bring to the squad, on the pitch as well as off it, is a huge boost.

Pogba is the midfielder United have needed since Roy Keane left. Much has been made about the ridiculousness of buying back a youth-team player, but in reality, there's no chance Pogba would be a United player in the 2016-17 season had Ferguson kept him. He has been dominant on the pitch and looks to be one of the best buys the club has made, albeit at a world-record-breaking price.

People keep saying that Eric Bailly has costly mistakes in him, given he's fairly rash and inexperienced. This prediction is probably fair but, judging on his performances so far, he's adjusting incredibly well. He has been United's man of the match in all but one of the games so far and plays as if he has been in the team for years, not weeks. It will be interesting to see how he fares against some of the best strikers in the league.

The only player we haven't seen much of is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, although United supporters walked away from the 1-0 win over Hull singing his praises. As well as Marcus Rashford, he made a huge impact from the bench and showed how useful his pace will be in winning games.

IT COULD HAVE GONE BETTER HAD MAN UNITED SIGNED

An experienced central defender. While Daley Blind and Bailly have looked surprisingly solid, with the former playing out of position and the latter being young with no experience of the Premier League, another central defender would have meant this window was near perfect. Chris Smalling could have a great season, if he stays fit, and will claim that role. But Smalling is not consistent, and it would have been preferable to bring in a more reliable defender.

Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo shouldn't be anywhere near the starting lineup and are on decent salaries that could be better spent.

HOW DID THE WINDOW COMPARE TO OUR RIVALS?

Quite a few teams have had decent windows, given how much money is at the disposal of Premier League clubs now, even if the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea brought players in late on. Manchester City have arguably had the best window, though, and have bought some top-quality players. All the transfer talk surrounding Pogba's fee has distracted people from the fact City have spent more than United.

It's not just that City have invested so heavily; they've also brought in great players who have certainly improved their team. Like United, their manager has been able to fill the gaps with new players who look set to have a strong season.

Chelsea and Arsenal have bought fairly well, too, even if the re-signing of David Luiz has raised a few eyebrows from rival supporters.

IN JANUARY, MOURINHO WILL NEED

To get rid of Jones, if he can pass a medical, or Rojo, and see if anyone better is available. Rojo will likely be kept as cover for Luke Shaw, though.

The squad seems fairly settled otherwise, and any strengthening will depend on whether the current starting team continue to perform as they have been doing. Antonio Valencia has started the season well and made the right-back position his own. If Matteo Darmian rediscovers his early United form, then that position is sorted.

Jesse Lingard, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Mkhitaryan and Rashford are all vying for the attacking spots in the team, and they will be looking to replace Wayne Rooney in the starting lineup.

Mourinho may be on the lookout for that extra bit of quality to boost United's title chances for the second half of the season, though.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by Scott Patterson

If you have any stories or news that you would like to share with the global online community, please feel free to share it with us by contacting us directly at [email protected]