Playing the waiting game can sometimes work out in the transfer market, but you really need things to go your way or you can be left looking like a fool.
Man United’s chase for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho has been going on for months now, with Dortmund always sticking to their stance of demanding United pay the asking price or else.
That’s a perfectly reasonable stance to take, but it looks like Ed Woodward is hoping that time has somehow magically changed things:
During last contacts, Borussia Dortmund told again to Man United they won’t accept any bid for less than €120m for Sancho. Still same position – #MUFC were ready to make a new bid around €90m but it would be refused. BVB are still convinced to keep Sancho this season ? #Sancho
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 29, 2020
This latest bid would make sense if Dortmund were desperate for cash or the player had started to kick off and demanded an exit, but their position has been strengthened if any anything as he continues to start regularly.
Nobody wants to lose a star player when the transfer window is coming to a close and German clubs are famous for being organised and having all their major business done early, so it’s hard to see United having any success here.
Woodward is well known for moving at a glacial speed in the transfer market and his track record isn’t sparkling, so it’s not a surprise to see him taking a pounding on Twitter over this:
In August United unofficially offered £90m + add ons. BvB rejected that and said they can do a deal with installments but not add-ons. Ed Woodward is arrogant but going in with €80m upfront + €20m would just make him look like an idiot.
— ????? (@Saidi_Kayy) September 29, 2020
Shocker. You know the price Ed Woodward. Don't be an idiot. https://t.co/FEcneqCRSk
— Nick Seuberling (@nickseuberling) September 29, 2020
Why bid this late in the window. Doesn't give dortmund time to replace him. Why would they do business now. Idiot Woodward
— Pugsly Micky (@PugslyM) September 29, 2020
Woodward’s stupid tactic of waiting till close to the end of the window to bid for Sancho has blown up in his face; the idiot!
You would think after all these years he would learn. Colossal failure. Patético!
— Kofi Asare ?? (@BarristerDrew) September 29, 2020
If it's Woodward spinning news of Dembele, he's got to the biggest idiot ever. BVB are happy to keep a quality player and sell next year so what's the point?
— OWURA KWAKU (@kwaku_MB) September 29, 2020
I'm embarrassed for my fellow Manchester United fans our club at least Woodward could use to boast a buiseness mind Dortmund will not budge on the price you blundering idiots https://t.co/h1f0dcBKBU
— madmickeysworld (@MOVIESTVMAD) September 29, 2020
United will also have a much bigger issue now with all transfer and not just with Sancho – any selling club will sense the desperation and jack up their prices, so it looks like Woodward has played this terribly.
The best transfers are those you know nothing about till it’s announced. Woodward is an idiot of the highest order. His arrogance is staggering and, year on year has seen United find it more and more difficult to conduct their transfer business with professionalism and decorum. Get rid of this bloody clown!
Woodward is basically a rubbish fellow