Manchester United fans were desperate to sign a left-back on deadline day. It didn’t happen. The failure from Manchester United to agree a deal for ...
Manchester United fans were desperate to sign a left-back on deadline day. It didn’t happen.
The failure from Manchester United to agree a deal for a left-back was the big failure at the end of the transfer window.
It is a real risk to rely on Luke Shaw, and Manchester United fans know this is like playing with fire.
One Premier League club did sign a left-back on deadline day, with the deal even facilitated by Ineos.
Worst of all, United’s historical rivals Leeds were the ones to profit from Ineos’ generosity.
Ineos own Ligue 1 side Nice and on transfer deadline day they agreed to loan left-back Melvin Bard to Leeds.
Bard, 25, is a two-time capped French international who has played 193 games for Nice.
Leeds have an option to buy as part of their loan agreement but no obligation.
Now, perhaps Manchester United are better off keeping Harry Amass and putting trust in the youngster.
But would there have been any harm in Nice loaning Bard to Manchester United instead?
The degree to which this looks like a missed opportunity or a non-issue will depend on how well Bard performs.
Bard was a player who was linked to Manchester United in 2024.
Manchester United are part of a three-team multi-club model, along with Nice and Lausanne, the two other clubs owned by Ineos.
However, United have only worked in conjunction with Lausanne.
United and Nice continue to operate completely separately. There is no collaboration between the clubs whatsoever.
It is in complete contrast with how Chelsea operate with Strasbourg.
We are not asking for Nice to become United’s feeder club, but there could be middle ground.
And when Nice are giving away a player for free, in a position where United actually need one, wouldn’t it be better if he went to Old Trafford than to a Premier League competitor?
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