Manchester United Transfer News: Missing on Everton Targets Is Lost Opportunity

Manchester United have missed out on a number of targets this summer, but the latest failed attempt cuts a little deeper.

New manager David Moyes had a chance to bring with him from Everton two of his best players in Leighton Baines and Marouane Fellaini. Unfortunately, it seems like that will not happen after all.

David Anderson of Mirror Football quotes Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who says that Baines is staying:

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Before we went to Austria [for pre-season training], one club officially contacted ourselves with an offer and it was a final offer. They put something over and the valuation wasn’t anywhere near the quality of Leighton Baines.

That was the end of it, but since then there’s been all the speculation, which has been part of what the transfer window is. There’s never been another club or anyone else putting in an offer for Leighton. Since then we’ve moved on and we’re continuing to focus on the start of the season.

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Anderson's report also points out that while Fellaini could still be moved, his buyout clause of £23 million has expired, and he would now demand closer to £30 million.

This makes it seem unlikely that United will be able to make a move. If they were uninterested in completing a deal at the lower price, it would be ridiculous for them to pay a larger sum to bring him in.

Both players could legitimately have helped the defending Premier League champions right away. Baines is one of the top left-backs in England and is someone who helps out at both ends of the pitch.

In attack, Baines is proven at providing decent crosses for teammates, while he maintains focus on defense to allow for few mistakes.

As for Fellaini, he could have improved United where they are weakest—in midfield. He is strong defensively, but his calling card is his aerial ability. This would give an already impressive offense yet another way to score.

Furthermore, these players are familiar with Moyes and would be able to seamlessly transition to the club.

It appears as though neither of these moves will go through. This is just the latest in a disappointing summer that has seen no impact players arrive at Old Trafford.

Moyes had high aspirations, as with the pursuit of Cesc Fabregas. This ongoing saga was likely doomed from the start, but at least there is pride in trying. 

However, it should have been easier for Moyes to bring in two of his former players who are not exactly superstars. Instead, the club may now go into the next season weaker than before.

Manchester United remain favourites to win the Premier League, but there was a chance to truly cement the squad as the best in the league. This has not happened over the course of the summer, and the upcoming year may be tougher because of it.

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