From SI · · 3m
Man Utd's Summer Transfer Mistakes
Man Utd missed key signings that cost them the Champions League.
In brief
Man Utd missed key signings that cost them the Champions League. Man Utd's poor summer transfer decisions left gaps in their squad that led to a Carabao Cup loss to Brighton. Originally reported by SI.
Man Utd's High Spirits Disappeared
Miserable results raised questions about manager Michael Carrick's future while center back Lisandro Martínez criticized recruitment.
The Issue Was Wrong Priorities
United's priorities may have been wrong at a time when wider squad reinforcements were needed.
Man Utd's 2026 Summer Signings
Carlos Baleba from Brighton & Hove Albion for $95.5 million, Andrey Santos from Chelsea for $66.9 million, Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa for $47 million, Karl Darlow from Leeds United for free.
Where Man Utd Went Wrong
United took a segmented approach to squad rebuild, focusing on attack in 2025 then midfield in 2026 with defense for 2027.
Saturating the Market
This approach saturated the market and caused United to miss players with more significant impacts.
Midfield Rebuild Without Plan
United wanted to rebuild midfield without a long-term plan, signing Baleba but making risky moves for Tielemans and Santos.
Casemiro's Exit
Casemiro left in January before becoming a superstar, with his high wages playing a part in the decision.
Why Midfield Was Focused
The focus on midfield was driven by a lack of numbers, not belief in the severity of weaknesses elsewhere.
Left Back Needed
United needed a left back, another center back, and even a cheap striker to help with Benjamin Šeško's injury concerns.
Jobs Pushed to Future
Those jobs were pushed into the future, causing United to pay the price now.
Midfield Reinforcements Needed
Ugarte’s injury and Casemiro’s exit left Kobbie Mainoo as the only natural central midfielder in the first-team squad.
Tielemans Was a Good Move
Tielemans was a cheap acquisition that United were right to pursue at the time.
Éderson Was Walked Away From
United walked away from a $52 million deal for Éderson over fitness concerns.
Cheaper Options Missed
United missed cheaper options like Mamadou Sangaré or Morten Hjulmand for midfield.
Defensive Rebuild Delayed
United could have sped up their defensive rebuild by saving money on midfield signings.
Left Back and Center Back Targets
United should have targeted left back Lewis Hall, center back Ezri Konsa, and Luka Vušković.
Striker Opportunity
United could have signed Danny Welbeck to ease pressure on Šeško and Joshua Zirkzee.
Dreamer Targets
Robert Lewandowski was set on MLS, while Jean-Philippe Mateta was a low risk, high reward signing.
Tunnel Vision Costed Them
Avoidable gaps in the squad led to a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton.
The main idea
Man Utd's poor summer transfer decisions left gaps in their squad that led to a Carabao Cup loss to Brighton.
