Dodging Disaster: How City Evaded United's Transfer Flops

As the highly anticipated Manchester Derby approaches this Sunday, with Manchester United and Manchester City set to clash in what promises to be a fiery encounter, it's intriguing to consider the differing fortunes the two clubs have had in the transfer market in recent years.

City’s shrewd avoidance of several players who later underperformed at United highlights not just the keen eye of their scouting department but also raises questions about United's transfer strategies.

A host of names, headlined by stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Alexis Sanchez, serves as a testament to this foresight. These sagas not only reflect the unpredictable nature of football transfers but also highlight how a club's fortune can pivot on a single signing.

Paul Pogba: The Prodigal's Troubled Return

Paul Pogba's departure from United in 2022 marked the end of a tumultuous saga filled with sporadic brilliance but consistent controversy. City flirted with signing him on a free transfer, but memories of Guardiola's 2018 squabble with Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, lingered. Pogba's return to Juventus has been anything but triumphant, plagued by injuries and off-field issues, validating City's restraint.

Alexis Sanchez: A Dream Unraveled

January 2018 saw Alexis Sanchez at a crossroads. Pep Guardiola, his former mentor at Barcelona, vied for his signature against Jose Mourinho's Manchester United. The pull of donning United's iconic number seven jersey, previously worn by legends like Cantona and Beckham, swayed Sanchez. However, his tenure at United spiraled into a disillusioning experience, marred by lackluster performances and scant goal contributions, culminating in a transfer to Inter Milan. A weekly salary of £400,000 stood in stark contrast to his on-field output, making his tenure a fiscal and sporting misadventure for United.

Victor Lindelof: An Overlooked Liability?

Victor Lindelof's transfer to United, despite City's fleeting interest, hasn't reaped significant rewards. In an era where City's defensive signings have largely succeeded, Lindelof’s struggles at United underscore the discernment in City's recruitment.

Fred: The Misfit

Fred's journey at United has been more comedic than heroic since his £50 million move in 2018. Initially poised to join City, the Brazilian's tenure at United has been characterized by inconsistency and ridicule, starkly contrasting City's more successful midfield ventures.

Harry Maguire's Unfulfilled Promise

Post his 2018 World Cup heroics, Harry Maguire became a hot commodity. City showed interest, but Leicester City's inflated £80 million price tag turned them away. While initially impressing at United, Maguire's form fluctuated, often attracting criticism during the team's struggles under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. His eventual marginalization under Erik ten Hag's regime, contrasting sharply with City's acquisition of Ruben Dias, signifies another bullet dodged by City.

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Return Overshadowed by Drama

Cristiano Ronaldo's sensational return to United, after nearly joining City, started promisingly but quickly devolved into a turbulent chapter. Despite a commendable goal tally, his presence coincided with United's dismal league performance and internal strife, highlighted by his controversial interview with Piers Morgan. Contrastingly, City's triumphs continued, underlining the pitfalls of nostalgia-driven acquisitions.

Jadon Sancho: The Unfulfilled Potential

Jadon Sancho's trajectory – from City's academy to a problematic stint at United following his rise at Dortmund – illustrates the perils of ignoring character assessments in talent acquisition. His recent challenges at United, compounded by earlier discipline issues, reflect City's prudence in managing young talents.

Antony: High Cost, Low Return

Manchester United's hefty £85 million investment in Antony represents one of the club's most glaring miscalculations. Initially catching City's eye, his move to United has been disastrous, marked by underwhelming performances and off-field controversies. City's earlier interest, fortunately, never materialized beyond preliminary stages.

As Manchester United and Manchester City prepare to face each other this Sunday, these contrasting transfer stories add an intriguing layer to the rivalry. While City's astuteness in the market has often been a boon, United's missteps serve as a cautionary tale. This match is not just about the immediate battle for supremacy but also highlights the long-term impact of transfer decisions in shaping the destinies of footballing giants.