Manchester United’s Transfer Business Under INEOS: A New Era of Smart Recruitment?

Manchester United’s Transfer Business Under INEOS: A New Era of Smart Recruitment?

 

Since INEOS took over the football operations at Manchester United, the club has made significant moves in the transfer market, spending a total of £213.2 million to reinforce key areas of the squad. This marks the beginning of what many hope will be a well-structured, long-term rebuild under the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team.

 

The focus on young, talented players with high potential, rather than big-money marquee signings, indicates a shift in strategy at Old Trafford. Here’s a closer look at the signings made under INEOS and how they could impact the club’s future.

 

Manchester United’s Signings Under INEOS

 

🇳🇱 Joshua Zirkzee (Striker, Bologna) – £37m

 

Zirkzee is an exciting addition to Manchester United’s attack. The Dutch striker enjoyed a breakthrough season at Bologna, showcasing his technical ability, movement, and finishing skills. His style of play suits modern football, as he can both lead the line and drop deep to link up play. With Rasmus Højlund also in the squad, Zirkzee provides competition and depth in the striker position, something United has lacked in recent years.

 

🇫🇷 Leny Yoro (Centre-Back, Lille) – £52m

 

Widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in Europe, Yoro’s signing is a statement of intent from United. The 19-year-old Frenchman is calm on the ball, physically imposing, and tactically intelligent. He represents a long-term solution in defense, potentially forming a solid partnership with Lisandro Martínez or Matthijs de Ligt. Given United’s defensive struggles in recent seasons, this is a much-needed addition.

 

🇳🇱 Matthijs de Ligt (Centre-Back, Bayern Munich) – £42m

 

Another Dutch defender, de Ligt brings leadership and experience despite being just 24 years old. Having played for Ajax, Juventus, and Bayern Munich, he knows what it takes to perform at the highest level. His ability to play out from the back and organize the defense makes him a crucial signing. With Raphael Varane departing, de Ligt fills a major gap in United’s backline.

 

🇲🇦 Noussair Mazraoui (Right-Back, Bayern Munich) – £25m

 

A versatile and dynamic right-back, Mazraoui provides competition for Diogo Dalot. United needed more quality in the full-back areas, and the Moroccan international offers both defensive solidity and attacking threat. His experience at Bayern Munich will also be valuable in high-pressure situations.

 

🇺🇾 Manuel Ugarte (Defensive Midfielder, PSG) – £45m

 

United’s midfield has lacked balance for some time, and Ugarte’s arrival addresses a major weakness. The Uruguayan midfielder is known for his defensive work rate, tackling, and ability to break up play. He could be the perfect partner for Kobbie Mainoo, allowing the young Englishman more freedom to dictate games.

 

🏴 Ayden Heaven (Centre-Back, Manchester City Academy) – Free

 

A highly-rated young defender from Manchester City’s academy, Heaven is one for the future. While he may not make an immediate impact on the first team, his signing reflects INEOS’ desire to build for the long term.

 

🇩🇰 Patrick Dorgu (Left-Back, Lecce) – £12.2m

 

At just 20 years old, Dorgu is a promising left-back who could develop into a key player. Given Luke Shaw’s injury history and the inconsistency of Tyrell Malacia, Dorgu provides much-needed cover in this position.

 

Evaluating INEOS’ Transfer Strategy

 

INEOS has taken a methodical approach to transfers, focusing on young players with potential resale value rather than aging superstars. This contrasts with United’s previous strategy, which often involved spending big on established names without a clear long-term vision.

 

Positives of Their Business:

 

1. Building for the Future – Most of the signings are under 25, ensuring a strong foundation for the next five to ten years.

 

 

2. Strengthening Key Positions – United addressed crucial areas, particularly in defense and midfield.

 

 

3. Financial Responsibility – Spending has been controlled, with smart investments rather than overpaying for players.

 

 

4. Squad Depth & Competition – The arrivals of Zirkzee, Ugarte, and Mazraoui add much-needed squad depth.

 

 

 

Concerns & Remaining Weaknesses:

 

1. No High-Profile Attacking Signing – While Zirkzee is a solid addition, United still lack a world-class attacker who can guarantee 20+ goals per season.

 

 

2. Goalkeeper & Left-Back Depth – While Altay Bayındır remains a backup option, some fans expected competition for André Onana. Additionally, another left-back signing could have been beneficial.

 

 

3. Squad Integration & Development – Young players need time to adapt, and United must be patient as they develop into top-class performers.

 

 

 

Final Verdict: Rating INEOS’ Transfer Window

 

Overall, INEOS’ first transfer window as decision-makers at Manchester United has been a step in the right direction. The club has moved away from short-term fixes and focused on sustainable squad building.

 

Defense: 9/10 – Signing Yoro, de Ligt, and Mazraoui significantly strengthens the backline.

 

Midfield: 8/10 – Ugarte is a strong addition, but another creative playmaker would have been ideal.

 

Attack: 7/10 – Zirkzee is promising, but a proven world-class forward is still needed.

 

 

Final Rating: 8/10

 

Manchester United’s business under INEOS shows ambition, intelligence, and long-term planning. If these players d

evelop as expected, United could soon return to challenging for major trophies.

 

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