Manchester United are adopting a more diligent approach to recruitment this summer, drawing up a long list of potential targets to avoid the costly transfer mistakes of recent seasons. The club has faced criticism for pulling out of deals for midfielders Elliot Anderson and Mateus Fernandes, deciding the fees did not represent value. United deemed the £116 million for Anderson and £85 million for Fernandes too high, even as they seek to sign up to three midfielders.
Sensible Decisions Amidst Criticism
Despite frustration among some supporters, these decisions reflect a shift in strategy. Ederson is expected to complete his move to Old Trafford this week, but no other big-name signing has materialized. However, United have a deep list of monitored targets, including Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni, Felix Nmecha, Andrey Santos, and Sander Berge. This approach, bolstered by increased data analysis and faith in internal systems, reduces panic if top targets are missed.
Data-Driven Overhaul
The new football structure, led by Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, recruitment expert Christopher Vivell, and data analyst Michael Sansoni, is designed to prevent past errors. In Erik ten Hag's first summer, United became fixated on Antony, paying a staggering £85.5 million after Ajax challenged them to push the fee higher. Former Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar noted the fee "got so high" that Ajax had no choice but to accept. Similarly, the £64 million deal for Rasmus Hojlund, with £8 million in add-ons, was agreed at 3 a.m. after Atalanta played hardball, despite an official earlier stating they would not exceed £60 million.
Learning from Past Mistakes
These deals, which represented poor value, would not happen under the current regime. United now have alternative targets and are not fixated on single players. While Anderson and Fernandes may succeed at their new clubs, the examples of Antony and Hojlund show that big spending does not guarantee success. The club's new approach aims to ensure better value and avoid repeating such costly errors.
