Following previous World Cups, Manchester United signed players such as Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick.
When it comes to signings after the World Cup, Manchester United has a mixed record. Rio Ferdinand and Michael Carrick, on the other hand, were huge hits after joining Leeds and Tottenham, respectively, in 2002 and 2006. And, with Erik ten Hag aware that he needs more reinforcements to help restore Old Trafford’s glory days, the club taking action when the transfer window reopens in January isn’t out of the question.
The World Cup is due to start this evening, with Qatar hosting Ecuador in the opening game of the tournament.
And Manchester United scouts are set to be in attendance in the Middle East, with the Red Devils always on the lookout for players who can make a difference at Old Trafford.
Over the years, United has had a mixed record when it comes to signing players after World Cups.
In 2002, Ferdinand was controversially signed from Leeds with the England international famously posing with Sir Alex Ferguson in a horrendous white suit.
While he experienced teething problems upon moving to Manchester, however, he’d go on to become a club legend – helping them win six Premier League titles before leaving for Queens Park Rangers in 2014.
However, the less said about Ricardo, who arrived that same summer from Real Valladolid, the better.
In 2006, United also signed another legend in the form of Carrick – who had soared to prominence after impressive performances for England, West Ham, and Tottenham.
The Red Devils knew they needed somebody to replace Roy Keane, who had left under a cloud the previous year.
And though United’s decision to pay £ 18 million for Carrick was deemed too much at the time, he’d also go on to etch his name into Old Trafford folklore.
Carrick won five league titles and starred alongside Ferdinand as United secured Champions League glory at Chelsea’s expense in 2008, with both players starting that final.
In 2010, after the World Cup in South Africa, Javier Hernandez arrived with many unaware of the Mexico international at the time.
But he was another success story in Manchester, with his goals propelling the Red Devils to title glory the following year.
However, Bebe was a dud – with the Portuguese star signed by Ferguson despite the Scot never actually watching him play.
In the years since then, United has struggled when it comes to making signings after World Cups – with many players failing to live up to expectations.
While Luke Shaw has done well enough since moving from Southampton in 2014, when Louis van Gaal ruled the roost, he’s often been inconsistent during his eight years at the club.
Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo, Radamel Falcao, Angel Di Maria, and Ander Herrera also fall into that category – even if the latter had his positive moments at the club.
And it’s been a similar story with the Red Devils’ recruits from 2018 as well.
Fred has blown hot and cold, with the Brazil international often struggling for consistency during his time at Old Trafford.
Lee Grant barely played though Diogo Dalot, at least, is starting to look like money well spent.
United could be set to take action when the transfer window reopens in January, especially with the future of Cristiano Ronaldo shrouded in uncertainty.
United would, normally, like to wait until the summer before conducting their business.
But the World Cup is a tournament like no other.
And that means exceptions can be made, especially if players of interest end up proving their worth on the grandest stage of them all.
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