Left for £0: MUFC will rue selling “explosive” £35m gem who’s outperforming Garnacho – opinion
Man United’s Past Transfer Decisions Under Scrutiny as Former Gems Shine
As Manchester United grapples with a dismal start to the season and a recent defeat against Galatasaray, the spotlight once again falls on the club’s recruitment decisions, particularly in the wake of a mixed summer transfer window.
While Rasmus Hojlund, a £72 million acquisition, has shown promise with three Champions League goals, other high-profile signings like Mason Mount and Andre Onana have struggled to make their mark. Onana, in particular, faced criticism for his performance in the recent defeat.
One decision that continues to draw attention is the departure of former number-one goalkeeper David De Gea on a free transfer over the summer.
Although De Gea’s exit raised eyebrows, it appears that it was the right time for the Spaniard to leave, especially given his struggles under Erik ten Hag last season, as noted by pundit Jamie Carragher.
However, there have been other departures in recent years that have raised questions about the club’s judgment.
Promising playmaker Angel Gomes, for instance, has thrived since leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s tenure.
Gomes, a diminutive midfielder who played a part in England’s U21 European Championship success, is now being considered for a senior call-up by Gareth Southgate, highlighting his progress since leaving Manchester.
But Gomes is not the only former United prospect who has gone on to flourish elsewhere. Largie Ramazani, a former academy colleague of Gomes, has also found success after leaving the club in 2020.
Why Did Largie Ramazani Depart Man United?
Similar to Gomes, the 5-foot-6 sensation sought a fresh start just over three years ago after struggling to break into the first team at Manchester United.
His only senior appearance came in a Europa League match against Astana in November 2019.
Ramazani’s fleeting debut came amidst impressive performances in United’s youth setup. He notched 12 goals and assists in 30 games at the U18 level before scoring 11 goals and contributing two assists in just 11 games for the U21s.
The talented Belgian initially began his football journey with Anderlecht before moving to Charlton Athletic. Subsequently, he made the switch to United on a scholarship contract in 2017 at the tender age of 16.
Despite his promise in the youth ranks, it appeared unlikely that Ramazani would break into Solskjaer’s first-team plans.
Ultimately, he turned down a contract extension in 2020 after demanding a wage that the club deemed ‘excessive,’ as reported by Manchester Evening News.
