5 things Manchester United fans should know after missing out on Renato Sanches

2. Manchester United were used

The most famous club in England was simply used as leverage by Jorge Mendes and company in this transfer saga. Sanches’ camp used United’s interest in the Benfica midfielder as a tool to drive up his price for other bidders. In the end, Bayern had to cough up a few extra million pounds to defeat United for his signature.

This revelation may irritate United fans, but it’s something that happens to every club in the world. There isn’t a way for any Premier League side to prevent being used to drive player prices up due to the league’s prominent financial position. It’s really not something to get overly bothered about.

It’s still not fun. United fans have spent a great deal of emotional energy preparing themselves for Sanches’ arrival in their midfield only to have their dreams dashed at the end. That’s the downside of a public transfer saga. If it doesn’t come off in the end then you look like a bunch of fools in front of your fan base.

That’s just what’s happened to United in this case. The entire club have to be more than a bit embarrassed not to end up with their long-term target. They shouldn’t worry about that embarrassment though, it’s nothing compared to what they’ll face by bringing van Gaal back for another season.

Next: 1. Jorge Mendes is not their friend