Liverpool and Manchester United are two contrasting clubs when it comes to conducting their transfer business. That was best summed up by last night's announcement of Cody Gakpo's pending arrival to Anfield.
The news that the Dutchman was set to sign for Jurgen Klopp's side caught many people off guard, with the winger having been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months.
This deal was done in the background with very little media attention, something that is very different to the way things are done at Manchester United. It seems that most of their transfer negotiations are played out in the press, often with little success.
It is likely that Erik ten Hag will be on the hunt for reinforcements during the January transfer window, although Gakpo's move to Liverpool ensures that things have gotten off to an inconspicuous start.
Manchester United fans not happy with Cody Gakpo deal
Cody Gakpo seemed like a natural fit at Manchester United. Their squad was in need of a versatile forward, while the player himself was well-known to the manager having been one of the biggest stars in the Dutch league over the last couple of seasons.
It was a transfer that probably should have been done during the summer, although many of the club's supporters felt that it was an inevitability in January.
It's fair to say that they were blindsided by last night's announcement.
#mufc will come under added pressure now. Gakpo’s a good age, versatile, familiar to Ten Hag, there was summer interest and he’s one of the most attainable attackers in January. Also a right-footed left winger - the last profile of player United need. But they need a goalscorer.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) December 27, 2022
Manchester United waking up to the news that Cody Gakpo is heading to rivals Liverpool - who made their move in the last week.
He may not have been ideal for United, but he is a player who Erik Ten Hag wanted, no getting away from that. https://t.co/skaM2Jy97B— Graeme Bailey (@GraemeBailey) December 27, 2022
United fans watching Gakpo go to Liverpool… pic.twitter.com/KLfgUPXjZj
— 𝓞𝓷𝓭𝓻𝓮𝓳 🇨🇿 (@TheCzechLad) December 26, 2022
Gakpo was in talks with United for 6 months and it took Liverpool 1 hour to sign him lmao. Massive L for United man
— Conn (@ConnCFC) December 26, 2022
Oh come on. Own the L. It's common knowledge Ten Hag wanted him since August. Stop the Glazer defending spin and accept the club is run like a circus https://t.co/ZZFsCPgYlj
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) December 27, 2022
Watch the “Man United” media and “top reds” protect the Glazers by stating:
🗣️“Manchester United were never that serious about Gakpo”!— Terry Flewers (@terryflewers) December 27, 2022
Watch the “Man United” media and “top reds” protect the Glazers by stating:
🗣️“Manchester United were never that serious about Gakpo”!— Terry Flewers (@terryflewers) December 27, 2022
Manchester United 110% wanted Cody Gakpo. Let’s just take the L and move on.
— 🏴 (@LJGLA_) December 27, 2022
If United really wanted Cody Gakpo, it feels like it could've been sorted a long time before Liverpool or anyone else came in for him. Not over, but I suspect Ten Hag won't be too chuffed if he misses out
— Si Lloyd (@SmnLlyd5) December 26, 2022
Rashford, Antony, Garnacho & Sancho (when he’s back) are strong wing options, so I’m not stunned United didn’t prioritise Gakpo when they don’t own a reliable striker.
I’d rather #mufc wait to sign the right player for the system, but this heaps pressure on them to get it right.— Tom Doyle (@TomJDoyle) December 26, 2022
Not overly down on Gakpo. United’s left channel is sorted once Sancho returns. Out-and-out striker must be a priority.
But another of Erik ten Hag’s top targets joining a rival isn’t a good look. He doesn’t need a new striker to succeed, he quite clearly needs a new board. #mufc— Alex Turk (@AlexCTurk) December 26, 2022
Liverpool repeatedly show Man Utd how to do transfers. No hype, just announce a deal.
Meanwhile, United spend months chasing a player, miss out on him and then pretend they didn’t want him anyway. Pathetic #LFC #MUFC #Gakpo— Kevin Palmer (@RealKevinPalmer) December 27, 2022
Considering that both clubs will be in the race for a top four finish in the months ahead, Manchester United fans will certainly be hoping that this deal does not come back to bite them.
The club will now be on the hunt for alternative targets in January. Considering the way things have gone in recent seasons, you wouldn't have too much confidence that they will be able to get a significant deal over the line.
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