Manchester United Transfer Strategies Under INEOS: Insights from Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada

Manchester United's First Transfer Window Under INEOS: A Summary

This summer, Manchester United undertook a significant transformation during their first transfer window guided by the INEOS-powered football operations team. With a keen focus on recruitment, the club engaged in a total of 32 transactions, led by sporting director Dan Ashworth and supported by a robust management team.

Key Figures in the New Management Structure

With CEO Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox, interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, and manager Erik ten Hag at the helm, the club looked to reshape its squad in a sustainable manner. Sir Dave Brailsford oversaw the entire process, ensuring that the scouting and analysis departments worked in unison to identify key targets.

Prioritizing Key Positions

This year's recruitment strategy aimed to fill critical gaps within the squad, focusing on four main positions: forward, centre-back, defensive midfield, and right-back. The club successfully brought in:

• Joshua Zirkzee
• Matthijs de Ligt
• Leny Yoro
• Manuel Ugarte

All players were aged 25 or under, aligning with the club's long-term vision.

Addressing Long-Term Needs

While the right-back position was not deemed essential, the potential departure of Aaron Wan-Bissaka prompted Manchester United to secure Noussair Mazraoui to enhance their defensive options. Each new signing was selected based on character references, supporting the club's push for a cultural reset.

Financial Strength and Selling Strategy

One striking difference in this transfer window was the shift in focus towards maximizing outgoings. Manchester United successfully generated approximately £87 million from player sales, while being strategic with buy-back and sell-on clauses. This financial discipline not only helped with squad turnover but also ensured compliance with financial rules.

Strategies Discussed in a Recent Q&A

During a Q&A session with Sky Sports News, Ashworth and Berrada elaborated on their approach:

• The squad's assessment was a collaborative effort, rather than a solo decision.
• Recruitment remained guided by both objective and subjective evaluations.
• Respecting player preferences was essential in the decision-making process, as evidenced by Jadon Sancho's potential move.

Long-Term Vision for Manchester United

Berrada emphasized the importance of consistent strategic decision-making to achieve sustained success in competitions:

"To create a team capable of competing for the Champions League and Premier League consistently, we need to be prudent in our actions and disciplined in negotiations."

Selling to Upgrade

Improving the selling process was crucial for maintaining balance in the squad and generating funds for new investments. Berrada noted that:

"In order to stay within financial regulations, you have to sell in addition to buying. The process for selling mirrors that of buying."

Future Implications and Sustainability

Both Ashworth and Berrada acknowledged the changing landscape of football regarding player longevity at clubs, due to evolving financial regulations:

• Club policies will adapt to ensure sustainability in operations.
• Better evaluation of academy talent and young prospects is a priority for future success.

Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead

As Manchester United continues to navigate through its restructuring phase, the strategies implemented during this transfer window are vital for setting the groundwork for a successful future. By focusing on sustainable player development and strategic transfers, the club aims to reclaim its status as a formidable competitor in both domestic and European football.

Conclusion

Manchester United's new approach to transfers marks a promising step in its ongoing quest for excellence, ensuring that each decision aligns with the club's long-term goals. The coming seasons will reveal how effective these changes will be in returning the glory days to Old Trafford.