“I made a very huge mistake during my last two seasons at this club. We made a very bad signings. There where some signings I should have not approved in the first place. But we are looking forward in selling them before this season start”- Erik ten Hag admits key role has been ‘taken away’ from him since Sir Jim Ratcliffe takeover at Man Utd after the disastrous first and second seasons signings as he reveals the players he signed which was a very bad business
Manchester United’s recent transfer activities have showcased a dynamic shift in their approach under the new ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group. According to a report, the club has now solidified its stance on Antony’s future.
United has been highly proactive in the transfer market. Earlier this month, they secured the services of 18-year-old Lille defender Leny Yoro for a potential £58.9 million and also brought in Joshua Zirkzee for £36.5 million. These strategic signings reflect the club’s renewed vision.
The club has also seen notable departures. Mason Greenwood’s move to Marseille is one of the significant exits, alongside other players who might soon leave. Reports from ESPN suggest that Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, and Christian Eriksen, whose contracts end in 2025, are available for transfer if suitable offers arise this summer.
Historically, United’s transfer policy, influenced by the Glazers, involved retaining players whose replacement costs were deemed higher than their potential sale value. A source revealed to ESPN that Joel and Avram Glazer would consider offloading players like Wan-Bissaka or Lindelöf only if the financial implications of replacements were justifiable. This strategy often led to players staying on until the end of their contracts, sometimes leaving on free transfers.
However, the takeover by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group has marked a shift in this policy. The recent signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36.5 million, slightly above his £34 million release clause, allowed United to spread the payments over three years, demonstrating a more flexible financial approach.
United also successfully signed Leny Yoro from Lille for £52.2 million, outbidding Real Madrid for the young talent. These acquisitions were partly funded by selling current squad members, including Alvaro Fernandez to Benfica for £7.5 million, Donny van de Beek to Girona for up to £7.6 million, Willy Kambwala to Villarreal for nearly £10 million, and Mason Greenwood to Marseille for £26.6 million.
As the transfer window approaches its closure at 11 PM on August 30, more movements are anticipated. This summer marks the first under the new operational structure set by INEOS, where significant responsibilities in scouting and recruitment have been delegated, allowing manager Erik ten Hag to focus more on team performance.
In an interview with Dutch publication AD, via the Daily Express, Ten Hag expressed satisfaction with the strengthened foundations of the club’s scouting and recruitment structure. He highlighted the contributions of key figures like Dan Ashworth, Jason Wilcox, and Christopher Vivell, whose market knowledge has been instrumental. Ten Hag emphasized the positive early signs of this new collaborative approach, noting the increased involvement and support from the new owners.
This evolving transfer strategy and operational revamp suggest that Manchester United is poised for a new era of strategic planning and execution, aimed at restoring the club’s competitive edge on both domestic and international fronts.
