The upcoming FIFA World Cup will once again capture the attention of the entire football world as the biggest stars on the planet compete for the greatest prize in the sport.
For Manchester United, the tournament represents an opportunity to shape the transfer strategy of the club.
It is a fresh challenge for INEOS, who took over football operations at United two years ago.
Here, we look at four major ways the global tournament could influence Man United ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The World Cup inflation
Solid performances from players could completely transform their market value overnight.
The Red Devils are currently linked with a long list of transfer targets, and every standout display at the World Cup could dramatically increase asking prices.
History has repeatedly shown that clubs often become desperate after major tournaments and end up overpaying for players riding a wave of momentum and hype.
INEOS must remain disciplined and avoid getting trapped in the vicious cycle of emotional spending.
Rush to complete deals
To avoid World Cup inflation, INEOS has to complete its key transfers before the World Cup begins.
The timeline is extremely tight, but acting early could ultimately save the club millions.
United are already closing in on a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, but they must also identify other targets who are expected to shine on the global stage next month.
If agreements on transfer fees are reached early, the Red Devils could avoid massive price increases later in the summer.
An eye on breakout stars
Every World Cup produces surprise stars who suddenly explode onto the global stage and secure dream moves to elite clubs.
United scouts should follow the tournament very closely and identify players capable of fitting into the club’s system.
They should refrain from blindly signing players who have delivered only a few good performances.
Instead, tactical analysis and long-term evaluation will remain absolutely essential before committing to any major signing.
The unsolvable fatigue issue
The World Cup final is scheduled to take place on July 19.
United’s first pre-season fixture against Wrexham in Finland is currently scheduled for July 18 before another clash with Rosenborg on July 24 in Norway.
Any United players involved in the latter stages of the tournament would almost certainly require additional time to recover both physically and mentally.
Portugal are among the favourites to go deep into the competition, which could leave Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot far from fully fit heading into pre-season preparations.
It will be fascinating to see how Michael Carrick manages player workload and fatigue during the early stages of his managerial reign at Old Trafford.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com