Michael Olise has made his decision and will depart the Premier League this summer, Manchester United were spot on to avoid him.
On Friday night the saga which was Michael Olise’s summer move came to a resounding end with Bayern Munich standing tall as victors.
This conclusion came to the surprise of many, considering Chelsea looked the only true suitor for what felt like weeks.
Before Chelsea became the favourites, many considered the Frenchman to be a nailed-on summer target for Manchester United as he’d have been a statement signing from Ineos.
This isn’t how it’s ended up despite United having a long-held interest, it seems as though Ineos opted to avoid approaching Olise.
Michael Olise should never have been signed this summer
Olise would have been a marquee signing this summer which Ineos likely wanted to make a statement during their inaugural summer in charge of things. However, they’re not exactly working with an open chequebook as United are said to have a limited budget which doesn’t leave much for luxuries such as a £60m winger.
There are probably four or five positions which are more in demand than right-wing this summer. A central defender or two is required along with a left-back, central midfielder, and striker. After these four areas are addressed another midfielder also wouldn’t go amiss.
So while Olise is an incredible talent – of which there’s no debate – signing him this summer would’ve been wildly irresponsible and a move which we imagine Ed Woodward would’ve been clamouring over in past times, neglecting needed arrivals for big names as we often saw during the previous regime.
Another reason it’s smart to have avoided Olise is that his wages are simply too much for United right now considering the wages the club currently spend on right-wingers.
This means in total the club has an outlay of around £543,200 per week on players who can play on the right wing. While some may leave this summer, United will still have more than enough options to make a move for Olise unwarranted.
Ineos has acted like a smart football club would, and this should be applauded rather than condemned. But this will also give one man a much-deserved opportunity next season.
Amad Diallo should be Manchester United’s starting right winger next season
Not signing Olise practically confirms the position won’t be added to this summer and that’ll be music to Amad’s ears. The Ivory Coast international endured a tricky season before showing Erik ten Hag exactly why he should be playing.
Amad scored twice and assisted once last season despite limited minutes and his displays have left many keen to see more.
With his potential sky-high, being given a full season on the right would allow him the chance he’s been deserving of for ages, he certainly deserves it over Antony.
This time next year, we could be looking back on Ineos’ choice to avoid even trying to sign Olise as a masterstroke especially if Amad evolves into the player we’re all convinced he can be.