Man Utd’s Missed Opportunity: The Cody Gakpo Transfer Saga
Former Manchester United coach Benni McCarthy has lifted the lid on why the club’s “scouts” decided to pass on Liverpool’s star forward Cody Gakpo, a decision that continues to haunt the Red Devils’ transfer strategy. According to McCarthy, the club “didn’t rate” the Dutch sensation, a verdict that has since backfired spectacularly.
The Transfer Market Woes of Manchester United
Manchester United’s struggles in the transfer market have been well-documented. Over the years, the club has been notorious for splashing cash on the wrong players while letting top-tier talents slip through their grasp. Under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new recruitment team, there’s a glimmer of hope, with the signing of Matheus Cunha marking a step in the right direction. However, the gap between United and their rivals, particularly Liverpool, remains stark.
Gakpo: The One That Got Away
Cody Gakpo was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, with many speculating that the Netherlands international would be the perfect fit for Erik ten Hag’s system. However, Liverpool swooped in and secured his signature for around £35 million in the 2023 winter transfer window. Since then, Gakpo has been a revelation for the Reds, tallying 41 goals and 17 assists in 128 appearances.
McCarthy, who worked closely with Ten Hag, revealed that Gakpo was the club’s top target. “Cody Gakpo was the one that we wanted the most and missed out on,” he told Indiabeting. “We sat down and discussed him extensively. He was the player who would fit in perfectly alongside Marcus Rashford. It was ours to lose.”
The Scouting Department’s Verdict
Despite the enthusiasm from the coaching staff, United’s scouting department had reservations. McCarthy explained, “I was told the scouting department had watched him numerous times and they didn’t rate him. They said the stats weren’t right.”
McCarthy, however, firmly disagrees with this assessment. “For me, with my experience, I know what you need to deliver at a special club. You don’t need stats to tell you that. The naked eye gives you so much more.”
A Missed Opportunity for United
Gakpo’s success at Liverpool has only highlighted what could have been for Manchester United. “He joined Liverpool and won the league,” McCarthy added. “People can say what they like, but we tried to bring in great players that would fit. Sometimes the club needs to look at itself. Good players escaped our grasp.”
What’s Next for Manchester United?
With the summer transfer window approaching, United’s recruitment team has a lot of ground to cover. The club must learn from past mistakes and ensure that they don’t let promising talents slip away. For now, the focus remains on closing the gap with their Premier League rivals and building a squad capable of competing at the highest level.
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