Manchester United’s desperate search for attacking reinforcements has ended in frustration, with Aston Villa unwilling to part ways with winger Leon Bailey before the transfer window slammed shut.
The Red Devils, struggling for goals under Ruben Amorim, had been hoping to secure the Jamaican international on loan. However, despite interest from both United and Tottenham, Villa boss Unai Emery reportedly refused to sanction a deal.
United’s attacking crisis deepened after a shock tactical gamble in Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace. With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing just five goals in 43 appearances combined, Amorim resorted to deploying midfielder Kobbie Mainoo as a makeshift striker. The experiment backfired spectacularly as United suffered another damaging defeat, with Jean-Philippe Mateta scoring twice at Old Trafford.
The club had already suffered a major attacking blow earlier in the day, with Marcus Rashford completing a long-anticipated loan move to Villa. United had explored several potential replacements, including Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel, but both rejected the opportunity to move to Old Trafford. Tel opted to join Tottenham instead, adding further disappointment to United’s deadline day dealings.
Bailey, who joined Villa from Bayer Leverkusen for £25 million in 2021, has been a rotational player under Emery this season, contributing just one goal and three assists in 29 appearances.
Despite his inconsistent form, United saw him as a potential short-term solution, but their hopes of securing his services have now been dashed.
Although their attacking options remain limited, United did strengthen defensively before the window closed, bringing in left-back Patrick Dorgu for £29 million and teenage centre-back Ayden Heaven.
Meanwhile, young winger Alejandro Garnacho appears to have dismissed speculation linking him with a move to Chelsea, offering United a small boost amid their ongoing struggles.
The Red Devils will now look to move past their transfer market frustrations and focus on their upcoming FA Cup clash against Leicester City, hoping to turn their season around.