Manchester United have navigated a turbulent decade, with the last 10–12 years falling well short of the standards once set at Old Trafford.
A chronic inability to get recruitment right has been at the heart of that decline, with costly misfires repeatedly derailing progress.
From Alexis Sanchez to Antony and Jadon Sancho, the list of expensive disappointments is both lengthy and painful.
Christopher Vivell was appointed as Man United’s director of global talent on a temporary basis in July 2024.
After impressing the club hierarchy, he was appointed as director of recruitment on a full-time basis in February 2025.
His commitment towards the club could be understood by his willingness to agree on a fresh agreement at a reduced salary.
The Red Devils signed four senior players last summer: Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens.
Cunha and Mbeumo were viewed as priority targets, with United determined to secure proven Premier League performers.
Then-manager Ruben Amorim reportedly favoured Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez, but Vivell pushed decisively for Sesko and Lammens instead.
United’s chief goalkeeping scout Tony Coton also threw his support behind Lammens over the Aston Villa number one.
Eight months on, it looks increasingly clear that all four signings have made an immediate and meaningful impact.
The evidence was as clear as it could be in the 1-0 victory over Everton in the Premier League on Monday evening.
Marvelous Senne Lammens
Lammens put on a flawless display. The 23-year-old has lost just twice in 21 games since making his debut for United against Sunderland.
A sharp first-half stop to deny James Garner set the tone before he produced a stunning diving save to keep out Michael Keane’s long-range strike.
What stood out was his composure and ability to clear the ball and claim it even when Everton resorted to dark arts from corner set-pieces.
A blast from the past
Sesko’s strike against Everton was the courtesy of a brilliant summer transfer window for United.
Cunha held off James Garner before unleashing a sumptuous Hollywood pass into space for Mbeumo.
Mbeumo thrives when give the space to run and he did exactly that by pulling Michael Keane towards him before laying it off on the plate for Sesko to fire United home.
It was a classic United counter-attack, a reminder of the club’s glorious past.
Making the right decisions related to transfers is important to the success of any club.
Being 100% right is next to impossible but Vivell is doing miracles at Old Trafford.
Another positive summer window could make United ready to mount a push for the coveted league title.