In the aftermath of a dark day in Bilbao, when Manchester United lost the Europa League final in lukewarm style, one thing became clear: the upcoming transfer window was vital to recover some hope. Still, without European football next season, financial instability and a new coach who did not make it to his mark, the challenge for Ineos was monumental.
Fast forward to the beginning of July, and although the progress in the field of income has stalled, their transfer strategy is clear and in theory smart.
The signing of Matheus Cunha for £ 62.5 million last month marked United's first acquisition of the summer, and it is praised by supporters, the media and critics as a cunning piece. The Wolves Forward was one of the best attacking threats in the Premier League last season and has made an impression in the top flight of England in the past seasons.
The figures speak for themselves while Cunha provided an impressive 21 targeted involvement for one of the weaker parties in the Premier League, but it sees him sliding on the field, making the game look effortlessly, so that the Brazilian stands out.
One of Cunha's striking versions from last season, which will be impressed by his new boss Ruben Amorim, was then Wolves Manchester United beat 2-0 in the Molineux in December. The Brazilian scored directly from a free kick before he set the second goal on his side on his way to a richly earned player of the match display.
Cunha's Competition Statistics vs Manchester United in Decemberphoto by Justin Tallis / AFP / StatsPerform
Cunha was recalled by the new coach Carlo Ancelotti to the National Squad of Brazil for their two world cup qualifications in June, as a reward for his impressive club form. He took the opportunity to impress Ancelotti against Paraguay with both hands when he gave a match -winning assist and received the player of the game.
The road in front of the road stays long
The new number 10 from United must only be the start of a busy transfer window of activity. To solve some of the problems in a team without quality, experience and mental strength, United will soon have to sell to buy.
After losing Tottenham in the Europa League final, funds remain scarce, which means that the club has to sell players who are not part of the future of Ruben Amorim to finance a rebuild that turned out to be needed last season on all fronts.
A boost in that respect can come in the form of Marcus Rashford. Allegedly there has been interest in the English international from Barcelona, and that interest will probably intensify that the Catalan giants have failed in their attempts to sign Nico Williams target one.
On the signs it is no secret that Bryan Mbeumo is the highest priority of United, and it has been generally reported that the Brentford attacker will be the last company of the club before concentrating on the sale. The Saga is dragged while Jason Wilcox and Co are trying to agree on a fee with Brentford, but remains a shortage of the appreciation of the bees.
Regarding expenses, it is a similar story – progress is slow and patience will be needed. However, an update from Fabrizio Romano on Friday will offer some encouragement. He reported that Marcus Rashford, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho all told the club that they want to leave this summer and that the club will slow down their return for the preseason.
The plan cannot confuse the plan, then there is a mass output or Ineos a real mess on their hands. It is time to clear the deck.
Supporters will become restless because of the lack of things, but patience is needed in a summer transfer window where the landscape can change from one month to the next.
The big challenge with which Ineos is confronted is to have most of his expenses and income completed by the time that Manchester United starts their Premier League campaign against Arsenal on August 17. They may have time, but Ineos should continue or run the risk of creating even more dissatisfaction before a ball was kicked in the 2025/26 season.
Premier League proven approach feels smart
While last summer was a step in the right direction with regard to signing the right type of profiles, with a good balance between youth and experience, this summer should be better again. After more than a decade of more mistakes than hits, United needs a success rate of almost 100% in the next two to three transfer toys if they want to have the hope of competing with the top clubs in the country.
With Cunha through the door, Mbeumo probably follows and Ollie Watkins a reported Spits Target – the policy is clear from Wilcox. After countless summers that neglect the more reliable home market, United must have the feeling that chasing players from abroad (who may not easily adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League) is a bad idea for now.
It cannot be a long-term approach, because neglecting a huge pole of talent and players who match the club's vision would be unwise, and the signing of 18-year-old Diego Leon suggests that it is not. In times of great skepticism from inside and outside the club, however, Premier League mainly rates in their prime for the first team as the smart and sensible way to approach a vital summer.
Ineos remain a huge unpopular minority owner, and they have a big job for them to earn the confidence of United's fans and to offer Amorim with the platform to succeed.
There is no more room for false promises – Ineos must start delivering a better future, or serious questions will be at their door again.
It's time to prove that they are better at running the club than the glazers
Do they really want to bring this great club back from the ashes, or are they all just smoke and mirrors?
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