Charlie Nicolas has questioned why Manchester United did not make a move for two Arsenal and Newcastle United summer signings.
Ruben Amorim demanded reinforcements in the transfer window following the club’s embarrassing 2024-25 campaign, in which the Red Devils finished just 15th in the Premier League.
United spent £62.5m to sign their first summer addition Matheus Cunha from Wolves before completing a £65m deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo.
Manchester United have also signed Diego Leon but the teenage left-back is one for the future and is unlikely to be a key member of Amorim’s squad next season.
United are interested in signing a new striker having missed out on Viktor Gyokeres and a new goalkeeper to replace the error-prone Andre Onana.
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Nicholas has been underwhelmed by Manchester United’s transfer business so far this summer and questioned why the Red Devils were not in the race to sign new Arsenal and Newcastle signings Christian Norgaard and Aaron Ramsdale.
Arsenal signed Denmark midfielder Norgaard from Brentford for £15m, while Newcastle recently signed England international Ramsdale on loan from Southampton.
‘There are a lot of players out there, a whole list who I think would be better than what Manchester United currently have,’ Nicolas told Sky Bet.
‘I just don’t know where they see themselves going. If I was Manchester United, why didn’t they go in for Christian Norgaard?
‘It looks as if they’ve waited for two high-profile players, but I look at them and I think, why are not adding more players like Norgaard, or players who have played well at Bournemouth and Newcastle – you could disrupt things and see who’s interested.
‘There are so many pillars I just can’t understand – the whole lack of authority defensively and what is the current situation with the goalkeeper?
‘Why don’t they go and get Aaron Ramsdale? He’s qualified, he knows the circuit, he’s English, experienced, and competitive. I know Ramsdale hasn’t won too much, but it’s not far off what United have won.
‘I just don’t see how they see what an upgrade means. I don’t see Manchester United fans showing one bit of excitement as it stands right now, and it’s getting close for them to get aggressive towards the club again.’
Nicolas has described Arsenal’s signing of Norgaard as ‘fabulous’ despite tipping him to struggle for starts at the Emirates Stadium.
‘I don’t expect Christian Norgaard to come in and be a starter at Arsenal if everybody is fresh and fit,’ the Gunners hero added.
‘Martín Zubimendi will be the number six as the direct replacement for Thomas Partey, and they’ve also got Declan Rice who you can’t leave out of the team. You’ve also got Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard in there, so there is some lovely competition.
‘Norgaard has come in to replace the balance of the team with Jorginho leaving. I’m not being disrespectful to Norgaard, he could get into the team and stay there because I like him as a player, but it’s a big step up when you come from Brentford to Arsenal.
‘Has he got the mentality to keep his place? It’s a great challenge. I think it’s a fabulous signing for £15m – it’s not a lot of money and he will be excited and competitive.’
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