Does Pedro to Chelsea Signal Manchester United's Diminishing Transfer Clout?
Make no mistake: Pedro Rodriguez is not a generational talent, but the former Barcelona attacker is unquestionably world class.
An integral component of five La Liga titles, three Copa del Rey victories, three UEFA Champions League crowns, the 2012 European Championship and the 2010 World Cup, the Spaniard has a personal trophy cabinet that is one of the more stocked in contemporary football.
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Destined for Chelsea in a surprising turn of events, according to BBC Sport, Pedro was thought to have a future at Manchester United with manager Louis van Gaal.
On 19 August, Sky Sports reported United had agreed terms with the 28-year-old, with only his transfer fee to be sorted. In less than 24 hours, Rodriguez was bound for West London.
The happenings distract from early-season turmoil at Stamford Bridge and allow Jose Mourinho to experiment with another top-level attacking piece, captured for the cut-rate sum of £21 million.
While Blues supporters should be ecstatic about their newest player, questions must be asked about Manchester United and their transfer policy.
Sky Sports contributor Guillem Balague reported: "Ed Woodward, the Manchester United chief executive, has been in Barcelona today, speaking to the club and the word is that a deal [for Pedro] will be done this week one way or another." Balague was not incorrect. A deal for Pedro was completed this week—but not with Manchester.
The snub harkens to disappointments United have suffered in both this window and ones previous.
Eden Hazard—per the Daily Star's Jonathan Green—revealed a call from Chelsea legend Didier Drogba in 2012 convinced the Belgian international to join Chelsea instead of Manchester United, Real Madrid or Arsenal.
Not requiring a call from Drogba, Cesc Fabregas was linked with Manchester's red half last summer and eventually chose Chelsea. According to the Daily Express' Charles Perrin, the Spanish international "was urged to reject United by his girlfriend Daniella Semaan," essentially choosing the city of London over Manchester.
This summer, Pedro notwithstanding, Manchester United have been linked with La Liga centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Nicolas Otamendi—neither was captured. Real Madrid's captain, thought to be vital in United's David De Gea situation, has signed a new contract with Los Blancos, as disclosed by Telegraph Sport, rendering him an impossibility.
Valencia's Otamendi signed for Manchester City, per the club's official Twitter page. Sky Sports reported United were "never interested" in the 27-year-old defender, but seeing a player linked with their club sign for cross-town rivals must be a frustrating proposition for many United supporters, as the Red Devils are in desperate need of quality centre-backs.
For all their clout and prestige in European football, there appears a burgeoning pattern of Manchester United being unable to capitalise on their massive stature.
One would think the vaunted Manchester United could sign any footballer on the planet, within reason, at the snap of their proverbial fingers. They are perhaps the greatest club in the history of English football—certainly in the Premier League era.
United have spent upwards of £290 million on players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, so there is no shortage of funds being allocated to pursue transfers. With one of the world's most notable, respected managers, Van Gaal, now in charge, United's inability to capture proven world-class players—with no former connection to their manager (e.g. Memphis Depay, Bastian Schweinsteiger, etc.)—should be worrisome for the Old Trafford brass.
Furthermore, when the Red Devils do persuade a world-class footballer to play at the so-called Theatre of Dreams, it is incumbent on them to hold serve. Angel Di Maria, England's most expensive signing ever at £59.7 million, joined Manchester from Real Madrid with no Champions League football and following their worst domestic campaign in decades.
Less than 12 months after his United move, he signed for Paris Saint-Germain.
Whether Di Maria would have flown or crashed in his second Premier League season will remain a mystery, but allowing players of his calibre to leave and not being able to replace them with commensurate talent does not bode well.
Thinking in a vacuum, losing Pedro to Chelsea is of no consequence for Manchester United. Chelsea have a better squad on paper with or without the Spanish international. What is of consequence, however, is United not being able to seal a deal in two months when Mourinho's club could do it in two days.
If Pedro wanted United, he would be a United player. It appears that simple.
Van Gaal and Woodward must deduce why the 28-year-old had misgivings about their club. If they can solve the problem, Manchester United might not get burned the next time a world-class or generational talent becomes available.
*Stats via WhoScored.com; transfer fees via Soccerbase where not noted.
