Manchester United are looking to make their money stretch in the summer transfer window and four exisiting players could help them do just that
Manchester United have been aiming to change their approach to transfers since Ineos took charge of football operations in February 2024. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has spoken about ending United’s reputation as the ‘dumb money’ in the transfer window. Their aim is to buy players for relatively small fees, and squeeze the maximum amount of profit from the deal.
United have not become a selling club, but the re-sale value of a player is now taken into consideration before buying. In theory, this should bring to an end deals like the one that saw United pay £60m, plus £10m in add-ons, for Casemiro.
Of course, this strategy is not without its critics. Many believe that signing players who can improve this team, will require hefty transfer fees. But Ineos are sticking to their guns and are looking to save money in the process.
Another way United can make their money stretch further this summer, is by looking at their existing squad and seeing which players can offer the Reds greater depth, without splashing the cash. Whether it be injuries, loans or their emergence from the academy, MEN Sport has spotted four players who can give Michael Carrick different options this season.
Shea Lacey
Before the Rosenborg game, all eyes were on JJ Gabriel to see if he would make his United debut. As it transpired, United chose to save Gabriel for another day, with the Reds opting for the slow and steady approach to his first-team introduction. In the 15-year-old wonderkid’s absence, Lacey excelled.
It wasn’t too long ago that the 19-year-old had the attention of United fans after his highlights from youth games went viral. Against Rosenborg, Lacey showed he is maturing into a gifted player and his involvement from the start in Norway suggests he is seen by Carrick as a senior player now.
Competition is fierce in attacking midfield, particularly with Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Amad all vying for minutes. But after three Premier League appearances last season, it is time for Lacey to make that next step.
Mason Mount
Lacey’s emergence in pre-season could be seen as a disaster for Mount. The former Chelsea man was already struggling to play in his natural No.10 role thanks to Fernandes and the change back to 4-2-3-1. Adding a fresh academy player to the mix was the last thing he needed.
However, the World Cup has come to his rescue this summer. Mount has been deployed in a deeper role alongside new signing Andrey Santos and that partnership is showing early promise.
“He’s a little bit more defensive, so it allows me to push on a little bit more forward in these last two games and work off him,” Mount said of their partnership last week. United have not signed their third midfielder yet and if Mount continues to do well in the pivot, there won’t be a rush to add another face in the centre.
The big thing for Mount is for him to keep himself fit. The 27-year-old missed nine Premier League games due to injury last season and each issue knocked his momentum. A consistent run of games this campaign should benefit both him and United.
Matthijs de Ligt
Cast your minds back to 2025, De Ligt was on course to becoming one of the players of the season for United. He did not miss a minute of the Reds’ opening 13 Premier League games and was a rock at the heart of defence.
Sadly for him, a back injury suffered following the victory at Crystal Palace in November, has left him sidelined ever since. De Ligt will now miss the start of the season after successfully undergoing surgery, but the hope is he will be back before Christmas.
If that timeline works out, United could get a huge boost going into the second half of the season. Should he be the same player as before his injury, De Ligt could easily become irreplaceable in the middle again.
At 26, he still has plenty of years in the tank. The Dutchman has every chance of starting afresh post-recovery.
Marcus Rashford
In an ideal world, United would still sell Rashford this summer. A lot of water has gone under the bridge since he was scoring 30 goals in a single campaign. But the Reds are willing to reintegrate him into their squad when he returns from his post-World Cup break if no suitable bids are submitted for him.
Should he stay, Rashford will return as a player with 28 combined goals and assists last season in La Liga. That’s not a shabby record in any of the top five divisions and if he can recreate that in the Premier League, United would be happy.
He would likely start behind Cunha this season but his return should allow the Reds to save money on a new left winger, at least for this transfer window. Rashford has a long road to redemption, but United fans would soon welcome him back if he hit the ground running under Carrick.
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