Last year was a big letdown. Manchester United ended in 15th place in the Premier League. That was one of their worst performances in years. With what is required for a new beginning, United’s move forward in gear. The club’s transfer window has been costly, bold, and hectic. But are all positions covered?
Revamped Attack: Thrilling But Costly
Manchester United has decided to solve their goal issue with three significant investments upfront. Matheus Cunha came in from Wolves for about £62.5 million. Bryan Mbeumo moved from Brentford for approximately £65 million with add-ons. The biggest one arrived late — Benjamin Sesko signed from RB Leipzig for approximately £66 million with bonus terms. The signings inject pace, dynamism, and a different complexion into United’s attack line. The fans are thrilled. Yet analysts warn these fees are steep and risk investing in talent that may not consistently deliver.
Rating for attack:* 8/10 *— the choices are thrilling but with a high price tag.
Midfield: A Critical Hole Remains in Manchester United
Even after spending large in advance, Manchester United are still short of a quality central midfielder. Their prime target was Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, but United have thrown in the towel after Brighton would not sell. Now their consolation is Sporting Lisbon’s Morten Hjulmand. He’s no minor talent, but would set them back by about £50 million. Although the change makes sense, it’s still leaving a gaping void in the center of their team.
Rating for midfield:* 5/10 *— a big hole continues to exist.
🚨 Carlos Baleba’s price tag could be in the region of €130M.
€130M would shatter Manchester United’s club record fee set by Paul Pogba and it would also make the 21-year-old the most expensive African player of all time.
(Source: @Nabil_djellit) pic.twitter.com/uxX5c9KTPG
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) August 14, 2025
Defense and Youth Additions
Smaller steps have been taken at the back. Young center-back Diego Leon arrived from Cerro Porteno, and Enzo Kana-Biyik arrived from Le Havre before being loaned out for more experience. These signings demonstrate Manchester United looking for balance. Marcus Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona. This is an indicator of the club wanting to renew the squad and move high wages elsewhere.
Defense and other positions rating:* 6/10 *— good moves, but not front-page material.
Squad Management: Intelligent and Strategic for Manchester United
There is some intelligent reshuffling of the squad going on. Aside from Rashford, United are set to offload Sancho, Garnacho, Antony, and other players. It reduces the cost of wages and creates space to spend intelligently elsewhere. It’s an intelligent move with no European football to play this season.
Rating for squad management:* 7/10 *— considered signings to maintain balance.
Final Thoughts: Did Manchester United miss their chance?
Manchester United’s summer transfer window has been one of aspiration, but also one of unfinished business. The team has spent big on attack, signing pace, energy, and new options to ignite more goals. While these signings have boosted morale among fans, the outlay has been expensive, leaving the question of long-term balance.
The greatest glaring weakness is in midfield. Without a dominant, controlling figure to play alongside Bruno Fernandes, United may lack solidity and creativity in big games. The defense has experienced gradual but low-profile improvement, and the recruitment of young talent bodes well for the long-term future.
Player sales and loans have freed up monies and opened up space in the squad to make way for possible late business. Overall, it’s a transfer window that indicates progress but doesn’t fill in the gaps. An honest mark would be 6.5/10 — optimistic, yet still short some essential signings of a full-scale rebuild.
Author’s Note
Manchester United’s summer transfer window has been one of high stakes and high hopes. New goal threats have come through, and supporters have lots to be cheerful about. However, the midfield remains vulnerable on occasions. The club has to address the midfield problem. This will turn this window from “promising” to “very good.” For now, much improved compared to last year—but not quite finished.
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