The English summer transfer window came to a close at 11pm last night, and most clubs will be content with their transfer business for the period. Calcio Insider looks into two clubs who have benefited the most during the two-month long window.
Manchester United:
Jose Mourinho’s side started off the transfer window with a bang with the signings of Victor Lindelof and Romelu Lukaku. Nemanja Matic surprisingly joined in from Chelsea in the backend of July whilst they completed their business with the re-signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic last month.
United were often found short of a commanding influence in midfield last term and this sort of restricted their creativity further up the field. With Matic around, Paul Pogba has got the license to roam around without worrying much about the tough tackling duties.
Lukaku has been another revelation in the United shirt with four goals scored from his first four outings. The Belgian has quickly shed off the memories of Zlatan although the big Swede could have his say in January – at a time when he will return from his knee injury.
Victor Lindelof has not made a league appearance following his move from Benfica but Mourinho has backed the versatile defender to get up to full speed to tackle with the rigours of the Premier League.
Manchester City:
Pep Guardiola had maintained his focus on bolstering the backline this summer, and he did it with success having brought in the likes of Kyle Walker, Benjamin Mendy and Danilo.
The arrival of the trio, however, saw the exits of Gael Clichy, Pablo Zabaleta, and Bacary Sagna on free transfers whilst Aleksandar Kolarov requested a move to AS Roma.
The Catalan tactician has utilised the three-at-the-back formation in the opening stages of the campaign, and this has brought a sense of calm into proceedings with Danilo, Mendy proving menacing in the attack front.
Midfielder Bernardo Silva and goalkeeper Ederson have not had much to do in the opening weeks, but there are sure to leave their presence as the season enters into its crunch period this month.
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