To suggest that affairs at Manchester United over the last year have been a mess would be putting it lightly.
Fortunately for those of a United persuasion, there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
What’s the word?
When the going gets tough, the Red Devils’ hierarchy tends to look into their bank account and find the largest sum available to spend on new players.
It’s unsurprising, therefore, that another spending spree looks set to be sanctioned this summer.
One of the club’s targets in Darwin Nunez looks likely to arrive in the Premier League this summer and according to Dean Jones’ sources, a deal is close.
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Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the transfer insider said: “One source described this deal to United to me as being ‘extremely close’.
“They consider Atletico Madrid as their main rivals to sign him, from what I hear, but obviously, loads around Europe are looking. If Darwin does move to Old Trafford, it will be a brilliant signing for the Ten Hag era.”
Previous reports suggest he could cost the new manager around £50.6m.
The new Forlan?
Last summer’s business from Man United was incredibly impressive with Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane all arriving in the northwest of England.
However, judging by their dreadfully frantic season in 2021/22, supporters may well have to be a little more reserved when assessing ten Hag’s first signings at Old Trafford.
Yet, in Nunez, he’d surely uncover a gem for the Red Devils.
In fact, the Benfica striker has already been dubbed a “diamond” by Steve McManaman, and it's clear to see why.
This is one of the most clinical forwards in world football at the moment, scoring 34 In 41 appearances across all competitions this term.
Based on that scoring record and his Uruguayan nationality, he could well become the club’s next Diego Forlan.
The veteran never really lit up Old Trafford but after leaving United behind he became one of the most feared and rampant attacking products around.
Ten Hag and the club’s supporters would certainly hope he betters Forlan’s record of 17 goals in 96 matches for the Premier League outfit but his record later on in his career is comparable to Nunez, an offensive revelation capable of bullying goalkeepers around the world.
A special talent with speed, robustness and confident finishing ability, Nunez really does feel like the type of player who could inspire United back to greatness.
He is bang in form, relatively cheap in today’s market for his goal tally and he’s still very young at 22.
It would take some player to live up to Forlan but at the same age, you sense that the Benfica star has a much higher ceiling.
It would mark ten Hag’s first major move of the window but there would be no real greater statement of intent than by signing the Uruguay international.