Manchester United are aiming to change their transfer approach since Ineos took charge of football operations in February 2024. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken about ending the club's reputation as 'dumb money' in the transfer window. Their goal is to buy players for relatively small fees and maximize profit from deals.
Strategy Shift and Existing Squad Value
United have not become a selling club, but re-sale value is now considered before buying. This should end deals like the £60m plus £10m add-ons for Casemiro. Critics argue that signing top players requires hefty fees, but Ineos are sticking to their guns.
Another way United can stretch money this summer is by looking at existing squad players who can provide depth without splashing cash. MEN Sport has identified four players who could give Michael Carrick different options this season.
Shea Lacey
Before the Rosenborg game, all eyes were on JJ Gabriel. United chose to save the 15-year-old for another day. In his absence, Lacey excelled. The 19-year-old had previously gone viral for youth highlights. Against Rosenborg, he showed he is maturing, and his start in Norway suggests Carrick sees him as a senior player now. Competition is fierce in attacking midfield with Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, and Amad, but after three Premier League appearances last season, it is time for Lacey to take the next step.
Mason Mount
Lacey's emergence could be seen as a disaster for Mount, who already struggled for his natural No.10 role due to Fernandes and the 4-2-3-1 formation. However, the World Cup has come to Mount's rescue. He has been deployed in a deeper role alongside new signing Andrey Santos, and that partnership is showing early promise. "He's a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more forward in these last two games and work off him," Mount said. United have not signed their third midfielder yet, and if Mount continues to do well in the pivot, there won't be a rush to add another face. The key for Mount is fitness; he missed nine Premier League games due to injury last season.
Matthijs de Ligt
In 2025, De Ligt was on course to become one of United's players of the season. He did not miss a minute of the opening 13 Premier League games and was a rock at the heart of defence. A back injury suffered after the victory at Crystal Palace in November sidelined him ever since. De Ligt will miss the start of the season after surgery, but the hope is he will be back before Christmas. If that timeline works, United could get a huge boost in the second half of the season. At 26, he still has plenty of years left.
Marcus Rashford
In an ideal world, United would still sell Rashford this summer. A lot has happened since he scored 30 goals in a single campaign. But United are willing to reintegrate him into their squad when he returns from his post-World Cup break if no suitable bids are submitted. Should he stay, Rashford will return as a player with 28 combined goals and assists last season in La Liga. If he can recreate that in the Premier League, United would be happy. He would likely start behind Cunha, but his return should save money on a new left winger, at least for this window. Rashford has a long road to redemption, but fans would welcome him back if he hits the ground running under Carrick.
