Manchester United believe they have emerged from the summer transfer window with a squad better balanced and more dangerous in attack. After a campaign in which a shortage of goals proved the decisive weakness, Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim and members of the recruitment department made addressing that flaw the cornerstone of their planning.
Data-Driven Strategy
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
GIVEMESPORT understands that a thorough review of the 2024/25 season informed the strategy. Internal analysis pointed clearly to the attack as the area most in need of investment. While other departments were assessed, Manchester United concluded that a more clinical forward line was the biggest requirement if the team was to compete at the top end of the Premier League.
Sources told GMS that Amorim, working closely with the recruitment team, wanted his attacking reinforcements in place early. That objective was met.
Early Arrivals Up Front
Manchester United's Bryan Mbeumo in action vs Fiorentina
By the time the new season began, Manchester United had secured Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko. The blend is deliberate. Cunha and Mbeumo bring Premier League experience and are expected to contribute immediately.
Sesko, already established as one of Europe’s most effective young strikers, arrives as a player ready to deliver straight away. At 22, he also retains the potential to keep developing under Amorim, but the expectation is that he will play a major role from the outset.
Manchester United are understood to be satisfied with the terms of these deals, particularly at a time when other clubs have been accused of overspending. Insiders pointed to the structured payments and long-term value of the contracts as evidence of a more disciplined approach than in some recent windows.
Lammens Deal Falls Into Place
Senne Lammens in action for Royal Antwerp
A goalkeeper was not top of the shopping list but remained on the agenda if the right conditions were met. Senne Lammens, 23, had been tracked for some time and, when he became available late in the window, Manchester United acted. The move was made possible after funds were raised through player exits.
GMS understands that while Lammens is not expected to become first choice immediately, following his arrival at Old Trafford from Royal Antwerp, he is considered a long-term option who can develop under Amorim’s coaching staff.
Balance of Experience and Potential
Benjamin Sesko
The arrivals highlight a broader theme. Manchester United wanted to avoid leaning too heavily either on ready-made stars or purely on prospects. Instead, the Red Devils opted for a balance: Cunha and Mbeumo bring proven qualities, while Sesko and Lammens fit the profile of players who can contribute now while still offering further upside.
That philosophy extended further with the signings of Diego Leon and Enzo Kana-Biyik, two highly-rated youngsters who fit the long-term strategy of building for the future.
Departures Reshape Amorim's Squad
Alejandro Garnacho applauding the Manchester United supporters
Departures were just as important as signings. The sale of Alejandro Garnacho brought in a record fee for an academy graduate. Manchester United also moved on Marcus Rashford, Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho, either permanently or on loan, ensuring significant wage savings and trimming a squad that had become bloated.
Sources told GMS that the Red Devils were determined to be “decisive and pragmatic” with outgoings, prioritising the long-term health of the group over sentiment. There is also a belief internally that the exits will help foster a more competitive and balanced dressing-room culture.
Midfield Not a Focus for Red Devils
Kobbie Mainoo in action for Manchester United
Notably, Manchester United resisted the temptation to add in midfield. GMS understands this was never a priority for the club this summer, given the depth and versatility already available in Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte. The recruitment strategy was instead to channel resources into positions considered more pressing.
The Red Devils were also conscious of maintaining compliance with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. Sources insisted that every deal was structured with discipline in mind, and that the balance between spending and recovery from sales leaves them in a stable position going forward.
Verdict
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on the touchline
On paper, this was one of Manchester United’s most coherent windows in recent years. The forward line has been significantly strengthened with players capable of delivering both now and in the future. The goalkeeper department has been quietly refreshed, and the wage bill has been reduced by moving high-profile names on.
Risks remain. Garnacho’s sale could be judged harshly if he flourishes elsewhere, while the expectations on Sesko will be considerable. But compared to previous summers, this window was defined by clarity of purpose.
GMS understands that Amorim was heavily involved in the process and is satisfied with the outcome. Manchester United know the rebuild is far from complete, but insiders believe this represents a strong step forward.
Now the test shifts from the boardroom to the pitch. If the Red Devils' new-look attack delivers the goals that were missing last term, this summer’s planning will look not just sensible, but transformative.
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