Heading into the final days of the transfer window, it seemed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s desires had been catered for.
After only previously signing Donny van de Beek during the summer transfer window, United completed four signings in the 24 hours that followed their 6-1 mauling at home to Tottenham.
United’s third-place finish last season raised hopes of a big leap forward fuelled by a host of star signings, but Ed Woodward, who takes the lead on United’s transfer deals, failed to land Aston Villa midfielder Jack Grealish and Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele.
Edinson Cavani was the headline signing at Manchester United on Deadline Day as the club also completed deals for Alex Telles, Facundo Pellistri, and Amad Diallo.
United on their website announced that they recruited left-back Alex Telles for a fee of £15.4m, brought in 18-year-old Pellistri, and signed Atlanta winger Amad Diallo, in a deal that could be worth up to £37.2m.
Pellistri Joins From Club Atletico Penarol
United announced the signing of Facundo Pellistri from Club Atletico Penarol on a five-year contract, with an option to extend for a further year.
The 18-year-old has already featured 37 times for the Uruguayan Primera Division club’s first team.
Reacting, Pellistri said, “To join a club with the history of Manchester United is a dream come true. I have learnt a lot at Penarol and I would like to thank them for everything they have done for me. To have the confidence of the manager is an amazing feeling and I know that working with him will be perfect for my development.
“I am coming into a squad full of great players who I will learn from every day. Everyone knows that Manchester United is a club that gives young players an opportunity and I am ready to work hard every day to earn those chances and prove myself in England.”
Amad Diallo: United, Atalanta Reach Agreement
United followed their deals in the transfer market by announcing they had reached an agreement to sign teenage winger Amad Diallo from Serie A side Atalanta, Sky reports
Manchester United described Diallo as “one of the most exciting young prospects in Italian football”.
The 18-year-old Ivorian right-winger has been on the radar of United scouts since 2016, when he was spotted playing at Under-15 level, and the club have been tracking his progress since.
Diallo scored on his Serie A debut in the first of three first-team appearances last season, after rising through the youth ranks at Atalanta.
He will join United in January, subject to medical, personal terms, and a work permit, with the initial fee reported to be £20 million.
Why I Joined Man United – Cavani
33-year-old Cavani has signed a one-year contract with the option of a further 12 months and is expected to wear the club’s iconic number seven shirt.
Cavani has been without a club since leaving Paris Saint-Germain at the end of June.
The 33-year-old is PSG’s all-time top scorer, scoring 200 goals in seven seasons at the Parc des Princes.
Cavani could even make his debut against his former club as United open their Champions League campaign away to PSG on October 20.
“Manchester United is one of the greatest clubs in the world, so it is a real honour to be here,” said Cavani. “I’ve worked really hard during the time off and I feel eager to compete and represent this incredible club.”
Cavani will bring experience to a talented young frontline formed by Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood.
However, it is at the other end of the field that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are badly in need of fresh blood after conceding 13 goals in their opening three Premier League games.
Cavani won six Ligue 1 titles during his time with PSG and lifted the Copa America in 2011 with Uruguay.
“I have played in front of some of the most passionate supporters in football during my career and I know that it will be the same in Manchester,” added Cavani. “I cannot wait to experience the Old Trafford atmosphere, when it is safe for the fans to return.”
Why We Signed Telles – Man United
Manchester United responded to their defensive woes by signing Brazil left-back Alex Telles from Porto for a reported initial fee of £13.5 million ($14.8 million) on Monday.
Telles agreed a four-year contract, with the option to extend by a further year, just 24 hours after United were thrashed 6-1 by Tottenham.
The 27-year-old is set to replace Luke Shaw at left-back as United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tries to plug the holes in his leaky defence.
Solskjaer said, “First and foremost, I welcome Alex to United. He is a player we have been tracking for some time and his performances over the past few years are exactly what we are looking for.
“He is a fighter and a winner and will add real determination and competition to the squad.
“Alex has the qualities, both as a player and as a person, that we want here at Manchester United.”
AFP reports that Telles, who won league titles among a number of honours at both Porto and Turkish side Galatasaray, is United’s second major signing since the end of last season after the arrival of Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek.
Additional Reports: Sky Sports, AFP