How Manchester United’s Transfer Stance Helped Secure Bargain Deals
Manchester United had a successful summer transfer window, with the club securing the services of five senior players to strengthen their squad. What’s interesting is that the club’s transfer stance played a crucial role in paying below the asking price for all but one of their summer acquisitions. This approach was implemented by the ownership team led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire Brit who recently took over the club under Ineos. Ratcliffe assembled a group of executives, often referred to as the “Avengers,” including CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, and technical director Jason Wilcox, to navigate the transfer market and negotiate deals effectively.
United’s resolute stance on asking prices meant that they only paid the full asking price for one player, Leny Yoro. The remaining signings, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Manuel Ugarte, were all secured for a relative steal. According to a report by ESPN, United’s negotiation tactics for signing Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite played a significant role in securing favorable deals for their other targets. When negotiations for Branthwaite reached an impasse due to an inflated asking price, United decided to walk away. This bold move proved useful when negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the signing of Manuel Ugarte. PSG initially demanded a fee nearly £10 million higher than what United ultimately paid, but United referenced their decision to walk away from the Branthwaite deal as an example of their firm stance on price negotiations.
United’s transfer strategy showcased discipline and a refusal to overspend, which proved beneficial in securing their targets at reasonable prices. Omar Berrada, one of the key figures in setting price tags, emphasized the importance of sticking to valuations to avoid overpaying for players. This disciplined approach prevents setbacks and ensures the club’s financial stability. United has learned from past mistakes, such as overpaying for Antony and Casemiro, and is now focused on making value-driven signings.
Furthermore, United had to offload some players during the summer to make room for the new arrivals. Mason Greenwood, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Scott McTominay were notable departures from the club. While losing homegrown talent can be frustrating, it allows the club to maintain a lean squad with enough depth. The financial rules in place have made it more attractive for clubs to sell players with a “zero-book” value, including those signed on a free transfer or players developed through the club’s system.
Looking ahead, United aims to build on their successful summer transfer window by adding further expertise and knowledge to their team. ESPN reports that the club is seeking to make appointments around Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox to enhance their transfer strategy. United’s goal is to achieve more consistent success in the transfer market and continue strengthening their squad with strategic additions.
In conclusion, Manchester United’s transfer stance played a crucial role in securing bargain deals during the summer window. Their disciplined approach to negotiations and refusal to overspend allowed them to pay below the asking price for all but one of their signings. The ownership team, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, assembled a group of executives who navigated the transfer market effectively, ensuring the club’s financial stability while strengthening the squad. With a focus on value-driven signings and strategic offloading, United aims to continue their success in future transfer windows.