Throughout the years, Manchester United has made several questionable acquisitions in the transfer market, leading the club to implement significant budget reductions following the arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Midfielder Mason Mount was brought to the club in a £60 million transfer from Chelsea, another Premier League team, during the summer of 2023. However, injuries have severely limited his contributions at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old has participated in only 33 matches across all competitions since his high-profile transfer, managing to score just one goal and provide a single assist thus far.
Amorim has previously expressed confidence in the former England international, offering continuous praise after his appointment, with the expectation that he can revitalize his promising career.
Nevertheless, not all of their signings have been unsuccessful, as one of the manager’s initial acquisitions in Manchester has already begun to demonstrate the potential he possesses.
Ayden Heaven’s stats since joining United
Centre-back Ayden Heaven has transferred to United from Arsenal for a fee of £1.5 million, following the earlier move of Chido Obi six months ago.
Initially regarded as a prospect for the academy, the 18-year-old has made a few appearances. However, due to the ongoing injury crisis in the North West, he has been elevated to Amorim’s first-team squad.
Heaven has already participated in the FA Cup, Premier League, and Europa League, earning his first start in the recent victory against Real Sociedad, which secured a place in the quarter-finals.
In his 90-minute performance, he successfully won all of his duels, recorded four clearances, and made two interceptions, proving to be a crucial asset in defense and making a strong case for a regular starting position.
Conversely, another player from the Red Devils joined the team for a lower fee than Heaven, with his market value increasing due to his impressive performances in recent years.
The United player who cost even less than Heaven
Many players in Manchester United’s current first-team roster have come at a significant financial cost, exhibiting varying degrees of influence since their arrival.
Alejandro Garnacho stands out as a remarkable bargain, having joined Manchester for a mere £420,000 from Atlético Madrid in 2020, initially integrating with the academy team.
The Argentine winger quickly gained attention at multiple youth levels due to his speed and direct dribbling skills, which enabled him to score 27 goals over an 18-month span.
He made his first-team debut in the 2021/22 season, appearing as a substitute in two matches, before establishing himself as a regular in the senior squad shortly thereafter.
Since then, Garnacho has participated in over 30 matches each season, including 44 appearances in the current campaign, amassing a total of 23 goals and 17 assists at just 20 years of age.
The winger, who has been described as “phenomenal” by an analyst, has seen his market value rise significantly due to his outstanding performances in the North West, highlighting the success of his acquisition.
In January, the club valued him at £55 million following interest from other teams, representing a staggering 13,000% increase from the initial fee paid for him less than five years ago.
In an era where the club has frequently targeted high-cost players, Garnacho’s transfer exemplifies the potential benefits of investing in young talent and nurturing their development for the future.
Heaven will aspire to follow a similar path at the Theatre of Dreams, aiming to secure his position within the team, as his early experiences at the club indicate a promising future ahead.
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