MU missed out on the Premier League's most versatile star

Former footballer Ashley Williams believes Manchester United made a major mistake by not signing Cody Gakpo — a player he describes as “consistent, hardworking, and capable of elevating any team.”

After a tough start under coach Ruben Amorim, Man United is still struggling to regain its status in the Premier League. Although they recently secured a 2-0 win over Sunderland to temporarily climb to 10th place, the Old Trafford side is still seen as lacking a fully capable and effective attacking star who can make a difference. The name many believe could have changed the situation is Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo.

According to the latest reports, the Dutch forward almost joined Man United in the summer of 2022 before coach Erik ten Hag decided to sign Antony from Ajax. The Gakpo deal was put on hold, and a few months later, he joined Liverpool, where he quickly proved his worth. This season, Gakpo has scored 2 goals and provided 2 assists in 10 matches, becoming a key component of the Reds' playing style.

Former defender Ashley Williams expressed regret for Man United: “He is such a consistent player, hardworking and humble. It would have been fascinating to see him play in a Man United shirt.”

He added: “If I were a Man United fan, I would blame myself for the club not signing him. Gakpo is the type of player who can fit into any team and raise the entire squad’s level.”

Meanwhile, Joe Cole also praised Gakpo on TNT Sports: “He does everything — pressing, scoring, assisting, intelligent movement. Gakpo is the kind of player every coach wants to have.” It is precisely this consistent performance and versatility that leads many to believe Man United missed a rare chance to strengthen their attack.

Under coach Amorim, Man United is using a 3-5-2 formation, where Gakpo — if he had joined — would have had to adapt to a more central role rather than the usual left wing position he plays at Liverpool. Nevertheless, he is still viewed as the perfect piece to support Benjamin Sesko and add more threat to the attack, especially considering Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have only scored a combined two goals this season.

Currently, Amorim is under great pressure after finishing only 15th in the Premier League last season. Despite signing five new players during the summer, Man United still lacks the offensive spark that Gakpo could definitely provide. “He is surely thinking he made the right choice now that he has a Premier League medal with Liverpool,” Williams concluded with a hint of irony.

Looking back at the transfer saga, Man United fans might wonder: if Gakpo had worn the red of Old Trafford instead of Anfield, would the Red Devils’ fate have been different?

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