The major uncertainty heading into the 2024/25 transfer window for Manchester United fans was the doubts hanging around their head coach, Erik Ten Hag. Following the INEOS takeover led by Sir Jim Radcliffe, there were talks that the former Ajax boss could get the sack after a string of disappointing performances.
However, the new owners decided to stick with him following the FA Cup triumph over rivals Manchester City at Wembley. Dan Ashworth also joined as sporting director from Newcastle United while Omar Berrada joined as Chief Executive Officer from rivals Manchester City following the exits of former CEO Richard Arnold and John Murtough.
Ten Hag also brought in new assistants in former United striker Ruud Van Nistelrooy and close friend Rene Hake, who replaced Mitchell Van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy.
INEOS promised a different transfer approach to the Glazers, and this was evident in their summer signings. They spent a total of about £180.5 million on incomings while making £87 million on player sales. Their major weakness going into the transfer market was their defense and they strengthened well in that area.
The Red Devils will be one of the teams to look out for in the current campaign and Man United tickets continue to sell quickly in the coming weeks.
Key incomings
Joshua Zirkzee: On July 14, 2024, Manchester United announced the signing of young Dutch forward, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for £36 million.
The Dutchman became the first signing under Jim Radcliffe and INEOS since owning a minority share in the club that put them in charge of major club activities.
Zirkzee was an integral part of Bologna’s rise last season under former coach Thiago Motta as his eleven league goals propelled them to fifth position in the Serie A and to a spot in the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season.
Zirkzee was brought in to provide competition and cover for Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund. He eventually proved his worth as he scored the winner on his league debut as Manchester United defeated Fulham in the season’s opening fixture.
Lenny Yoro: The 18-year-old French defender was the second summer signing of the INEOS era. He was signed for about £52 million from Lille after an impressive season in the 2023/24 season.
Contrary to the previous reign under the helms of the Glazers, they avoided overpaying for the young talent and even pipped several clubs to his signing most particularly, Real Madrid. Yoro is expected to bring calm to a defense that faced a large chunk of shots and conceded a lot of goals.
The youngster had a very impressive debut in a pre-season game against Rangers but is currently injured after sustaining an injury during a game against Arsenal in the pre-season.
Matthijs De Ligt: The Dutch defender, who played under Erik Ten Hag during their time at Ajax, joined from Bayern Munich in a deal worth about £38 million. With his quality and experience playing top-level football, he is expected to improve a defense that leaked a large amount of goals last season.
Noussair Mazraoui: Mazraoui was signed in a £12.5 million deal alongside De Ligt from Bayern Munich. He was signed to replace English fullback Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined West Ham United. The Morocco international has slotted easily into United’s lineup with an impressive performance already in the Premier League.
Manuel Ugarte: The Uruguayan international midfielder was signed from French side PSG for £42 million on transfer deadline day. Ugarte’s signing is surely an exciting one as he will look to replace the tired legs of Casemiro in midfield.
Key Outgoings
Scott McTominay: The Manchester United academy graduate joined Napoli in a £25 million deal. His sale was needed to fund the purchase of Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: The right-back sealed a deal with West Ham United for £15 million. His transfer was needed to fund the signing of Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
Mason Greenwood: Greenwood was once Manchester United poster boy until his suspension following charges of attempted rape, controlling and coercive behavior and assault. He had an impressive loan stint at Getafe last season and sealed a £26.7 million move to French side Olympique Marseille because it would have been tough to have him back on the team.
Facundo Pellistri: The Uruguayan winger who failed to live up to his talent was one of the summer clearouts by the new INEOS owners. He moved to join Greek side Panathinaikos in a £5.1 million deal.
Pellestri who had struggled to get playing time throughout his time at the Theater of Dreams needed the move for his development.
Anthony Martial: French forward, Martial left United after years of failing to live up to the hype that brought him from Monaco as a teenager. His time at Manchester United was blighted by injuries as he struggled for form and fitness. He lost his place in the team to several other players.
His exit paved the way for new signings as his high pay was finally off the wage bill. Anthony Martial is yet to get a new club.
Donny Van De Beek: Van De Beek was viewed by many to have a great career ahead of him but his career fell apart following his move to Manchester United from Ajax. He struggled for playing time and was loaned out on several occasions before he finally joined Girona for a fee of about £500,000 during the transfer window.
This sale represents a massive loss for United but they were able to get him off their wage bill.
Raphael Varane: The former Real Madrid player joined newly promoted Serie A club, Como at the end of his contract as he was not offered any renewal.
Jadon Sancho: Sancho failed to light up the Premier League following his £73 million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. He struggled to repeat the form that had made United spend that high on him and was frozen out of the first team after an outburst with Erik Ten Hag as he failed to apologize to the manager for his statement on social media.
He went on to spend the rest of the 2023/24 season on loan at Borussia Dortmund in a second stint. The Englishman finally joined Chelsea on loan till the end of the season on transfer deadline day in a clause that included an obligation to buy.
Other exits included Willy Kambwala, Alvaro Fernandez, Hannibal Mejbri, and Brandon Williams.
Manchester United’s transfer window could be seen as a success as they shipped off players for decent amounts and managed to address all the key areas that needed strengthening before the window.
The strategy of the new owners could be seen as they bought young players and avoided overpaying. However, Greenwood’s sale would surely have been painful because of his inherent talent. Unfortunately, a return to the Premier League would have affected Manchester United badly in England.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford has not exactly been able to replicate his brilliance of three seasons ago, and some fans felt he should have left in the summer. However, the Red Devils kept their faith in him.
Nonetheless, it was a good summer for Manchester United. They may just need to get some extra quality on the wings and a good midfielder to ease up the burden on Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo.