Omar Berrada, executive director of Manchester United, assured that the club will maintain a disciplined approach in this summer's transfer market, refusing to pay above the value for new reinforcements. The position comes after seasons marked by high spending on transfers and salaries, as in the cases of Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.
According to Berrada, United considers that they got the model they followed 12 months ago right, when they accelerated the signing of Matheus Cunha (Wolves) and Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford) at the beginning of the summer, then signing striker Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens at the end of the window. The combined impact helped the team finish 3rd in the Premier League and return to the Champions League for the first time in three years.
“The model of what we did last summer will be replicated,” explained the CEO, on the Inside Carrington podcast. "We have to be very well prepared, with a clear plan and defined positions to reinforce, maintaining agility for unexpected departures or market opportunities. We want a mix of experience and youth, players who have proven themselves in the Premier League and others who shine outside of it. Decisions will not just be for the short term, but for the long term."
The Old Trafford administration is preparing the arrival of Brazilian midfielder Ederson at the beginning of next month, following a £35 million deal with Atalanta for the 26-year-old player, who will undergo medical examinations before the start of pre-season. United also intend to sign at least one more, potentially two central midfielders, with a strong interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, valued at £80 million.
There is also the intention of securing a reserve striker for Benjamin Sesko and a player for the left flank, potentially to compete with Luke Shaw on the wing, given that Patrick Dorgu is seen by coach Michael Carrick as having a more attacking profile.
To execute the plan, in addition to Jason Wilcox (director of football), Christopher Vivell (recruitment) and Matt Hargreaves (negotiations) will be heavily involved, along with Berrada. However, club sources reinforce that there will be no overpayments: United will not move, for example, to a value of 120 million pounds for Elliot Anderson, Nottingham Forest midfielder and English international.
"We have to be really disciplined. We know how much we can invest and we will remain faithful to that plan", reinforced Berrada. "In some cases, we may decide to invest because we believe it is right, not just for the next two or three years, but for the next decade. The important thing is not to let the market or agents dictate what we should do."