Why Man Utd are the winners of the summer transfer window

Manchester United have had a surprisingly shrewd summer transfer window. Yes, you read that right—shrewd.

This is a far cry from what fans have come to expect. Ineos took over the club earlier this year, but their significant business only began this summer. Under the Glazers, United became notorious for overpaying for players who either lacked commitment or were more attracted to the paycheck than the club.

United’s previous approach to recruitment and sales will likely go down as some of the worst in football history. Take last season, for example: Mason Mount was signed for €64.2 million, Rasmus Hojlund for €73.9 million, and Andre Onana for €50.2 million.

The year before was even more profligate, with Antony arriving for €95 million, Casemiro for €70.7 million, Lisandro Martínez, and €15 million spent on Tyrell Malacia. Three years ago, they shelled out €85 million for Jadon Sancho, €40 million for Raphaël Varane, and €17 million for Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Glazers’ heavy-handed approach to the transfer market stretches back even further. The club’s iconic No. 7 shirt, once a symbol of greatness, has become almost a joke since Ronaldo’s first departure in 2009. When Memphis Depay arrived in 2015 as a promising 21-year-old, he was expected to carry that legacy. United spent €36 million on the Dutch winger, but he managed just seven goals in 53 appearances before moving to Lyon.

Similarly baffling was United’s decision to splash €47 million on Ajax midfielder Donny van de Beek in 2020, a signing made over then-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s head. Van de Beek struggled to make an impact, and even a loan move to Eintracht Frankfurt last January failed to revive his career. The Bundesliga side ultimately passed on a permanent deal, and he joined Girona this summer for a reported €500k.

Erik ten Hag’s arrival as manager saw United make yet another questionable move by allowing him to handpick his players. Ten Hag believed Antony had the personality and fighting spirit to thrive at Old Trafford. However, the jump from the Eredivisie to the Premier League has proven too steep for the winger, who has struggled to make a significant impact.

In his debut season, Antony managed just eight goals, followed by only three in the 2023-24 campaign. Critics have labelled him predictable, citing his surprising lack of speed and overreliance on his left foot, which makes him easy for defenders to stop.

But this summer has been different. While the Eredivisie and Ajax connections remain, the players brought in have either been signed at or below their market value. Leny Yoro, one of the world’s most promising defenders, arrived for €62 million. Matthijs de Ligt, just 24 years old, was signed for €45 million. Joshua Zirkzee, who already has a goal to his name, cost €42.5 million. And versatile defender Noussair Mazraoui was picked up for just €15 million.

Behind these shrewd moves are the efforts of Omar Berrada, Dan Ashworth, and Jason Wilcox, who seem to be steering the club in a more sensible direction. Arch-rivals Liverpool have signed no one, Chelsea have done the opposite but to their own detriment. Manchester City have not made any huge signings other than Savinho, Newcastle have bought only goalkeepers, while Arsenal refuse to upgrade their No.9. All in all for Man Utd, it’s been one hell of a window.