In recent times, Manchester United have shifted to a more ruthless and calculated approach in the transfer market, and it’s already yielding impressive results. The club has always been known for making big-money signings, but under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team, the strategy has become more refined, with a focus on younger talent and better value deals.
A New Era for United’s Transfers
In the post-Ferguson era, United’s transfer dealings have often been criticized. Despite splashing out large sums of money on players who didn’t live up to expectations, the club’s approach has undergone a significant transformation since Ratcliffe’s involvement. With a new sense of discipline, Manchester United has started focusing on younger players, with all six of their major permanent signings in the Ratcliffe era—Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro, Patrick Dorgu, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee—being 26 years old or younger.
This change in philosophy has been complemented by a more aggressive stance when it comes to player exits. Unlike before, United is no longer willing to accept sub-par offers for players, even when they’re eager to offload them. The most recent case in point is Tyrell Malacia’s potential move.
Malacia’s Exit: A Bold Decision
Benfica made an offer for Tyrell Malacia, but Manchester United deemed it to be a “low-ball offer” and rejected it. Despite the risk of not finding a new destination for the player, United stood firm, and this bold decision paid off. PSV Eindhoven came forward with a much more favorable offer, showing that the club’s new approach is reaping rewards.
Rashford and Antony: More Proof of the Strategy’s Success
The club’s ruthless bargaining power didn’t stop with Malacia. The moves of Marcus Rashford and Antony to Aston Villa and Real Betis, respectively, also showcase the new transfer mentality. Rashford’s loan move to Villa includes a £40m buy option, but it’s the wage split that really stands out. Rashford earns £325,000 per week at Old Trafford, and Villa has agreed to cover 75% of his wages, making Rashford their highest-paid player at £243,750 per week. This could rise to £292,500 if performance-related objectives are met, leaving United with a very minimal weekly wage commitment.
Antony’s move to Real Betis also highlights United’s ability to secure better terms in player departures, as the club continues to negotiate with a firmer hand than ever before.