Manchester United CEO, Omar Berrada, is facing a tough transfer market as high spending and financial constraints collide.
After his high-profile switch from Manchester City, Berrada was expected to lead United into a new era of smart, strategic planning. But early transfer dealings have revealed just how difficult that mission will be.
Working alongside director of football, Jason Wilcox, Berrada has helped secure key targets like Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, as a move to support new manager, Ruben Amorim’s vision.
However, both signings came at a steep cost. Brentford rejected a £55 million offer for Mbeumo earlier in the window, forcing United to return with a £70 million bid to seal the deal. Meanwhile, Cunha joined from Wolves after United activated his £62.5 million release clause, with the payment split across two years.
These hefty fees highlight a stark contrast to the transfer strategy Berrada once followed at City, where walking away from overpriced deals was standard practice.
At United, pressure to deliver immediate success has meant overpaying for targets, especially with the club’s poor league finish and lack of Champions League football.
The situation is further complicated by financial constraints. United remains over £1 billion in debt and faces increasing pressure from Profit and Sustainability Regulations. A recent spree spending over £200 million on players like Levy Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, and Matthijs De Ligt hasn’t helped ease those concerns.
To free up funds, Amorim sidelined players like Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, and Antony from first-team training, creating a "bomb squad" of outcasts to be sold. But the move may backfire, with interested clubs now stalling in hopes of picking up cut-price deals.
Berrada’s biggest challenge yet might be offloading these high-wage players without further weakening the squad or inflaming dressing room tensions. His next moves will likely define whether Manchester United can truly turn a corner—or remain stuck in a cycle of mismanagement.
Picture Credit: PA
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