The £17M Mistake: How United’s “Budget Sale” Became the World’s Most Dangerous Force
Old Trafford has seen its fair share of legends, but in recent years, it has become synonymous with a different kind of reputation: the departure lounge for future superstars.
While Manchester United fans are used to seeing big-money signings fail to live up to the hype, nothing stings quite like watching a player sold for “peanuts” transform into a global icon elsewhere. Former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino recently fueled the fire, claiming that United were “foolish” for offloading a certain talent for a mere £17M—a player who, in Pochettino’s eyes, has now ascended to the very top of the footballing world.
From “Surplus to Requirements” to World-Class Dominance
When the player in question left Manchester, the narrative was simple: he didn’t fit the system, he was too inconsistent, or the club simply needed to balance the books. Selling him for £17M seemed like a standard bit of business at the time.
Today, that figure looks like one of the greatest heists in modern transfer history.
> “They sold him for just £17M and now he has become the best player in the world,” Pochettino remarked. “He is at the top of the world. He has turned into an absolute beast.”
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The transformation has been nothing short of cinematic. What was once a raw, perhaps unpolished diamond has been cut and refined into a tactical nightmare for defenders. Whether it’s his blistering pace, clinical finishing, or the newfound physical presence that Pochettino alluded to, he is no longer the “squad player” United thought they were replacing.
The Pochettino Verdict: Why United Got It Wrong
Pochettino, who has managed some of the greatest talents in the game (including Mbappe, Neymar, and Messi), doesn’t hand out the “world-class” label lightly. His critique of United’s decision-making highlights a recurring issue at the club: the inability to scout and nurture long-term potential.
* The Price Tag: In an era where average midfielders go for £60M, a £17M exit for a world-beater is a massive financial and sporting failure.
* The Evolution: Under the right guidance, this player didn’t just improve; he evolved. He added layers to his game that United’s coaching staff seemingly couldn’t unlock.
* The “Beast” Mentality: Pochettino emphasized the player’s physical and mental shift. He went from being a talented prospect to a dominant leader on the pitch.
A Warning for the Future
This isn’t the first time United have watched a “reject” lift trophies elsewhere (think Paul Pogba’s first exit or Gerard Piqué), but this specific case feels more permanent. As United struggles to find its identity under new leadership, the success of their former £17M man serves as a haunting reminder of what happens when a club loses its eye for talent.
While the red half of Manchester looks on with regret, the rest of the world is simply enjoying the show. The “beast” has been unleashed, and he isn’t looking back.
How the Player Compares: Then vs. Now
| Metric | Manchester United Tenure | Current Form |
|—|—|—|
| Market Value | £17M (Sale Price) | £100M+ (Estimated) |
| Role | Rotational/Prospect | Undisputed Star/Leader |
| Consistency | Flashes of brilliance | Match-winner every week |
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