Manchester United were busy through the transfer window right up until deadline day to conclude the final deal of the summer.
Ineos’ first transfer window in charge will go down as a success, with five first team players signed for Erik ten Hag’s squad.
All five of these signings are terrific acquisitions for Manchester United, and it is hard to split them – but we have given it a go. Below is a list of all five of the major deals – ranked from the top down.
Manuel Ugarte: £42 million rising to £50 million
Manuel Ugarte was the final deal Manchester United concluded, and he might turn out to be the most important.
Ugarte adds much-needed energy into United’s midfield, to compensate for a declining Casemiro, and take some pressure off Kobbie Mainoo.
The South American’s combative style will make him a fan favourite at Old Trafford, and the fee is an impressive one, managing to get PSG to take a loss. Ugarte will prove to be a bargain.
Leny Yoro: £52 million rising to £58 million
The signing of Leny Yoro made the whole of Europe sit up and take notice, with Manchester United beating Real Madrid to his signature.
Yoro has been lauded as a generational talent, a centre-back who can be a mainstay at the club for the next decade if he fulfils his potential.
The 18-year-old has suffered an early injury, but this merely delays his success rather than prevents it.
Joshua Zirkzee: £36 million
Joshua Zirkzee was Manchester United’s first summer signing and while he missed pre-season, he made an instant impression.
Zirkzee’s debut goal demonstrated his finishing ability, while it is his link play which has really caught the eye, he really opens up United’s attack.
For a fee of £36 million, Zirkzee looks like a bargain and we look forward to seeing him playing alongside Rasmus Hojlund. Still only 23, United have signed Zirkzee at the right time.
Noussair Mazraoui: £12.8 million rising to £17.2 million
Noussair Mazraoui could end up as the bargain of the summer, signed for cheaper than United’s sale of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
Mazraoui was nominated for United’s player of the month award after just two matches, showing what a good early impression he has made.
Matthijs de Ligt: £38.5 million rising to £42.8 million
Matthijs de Ligt will play a key role for Manchester United, especially with Leny Yoro out injured early on.
The questions for the Dutchman lie whether he will be a regular starter long-term, behind Yoro and Lisandro Martinez.
Competition should spur De Ligt on, United have signed him for a fraction of the price he cost Juventus and Bayern Munich, and the fee could prove to be a bargain.
Sekou Kone: £1 million
The confirmed move for Sekou Kone could turn out to be the best of the lot, with the Mali youth international costing just £1 million.
Initially, he will go into United’s under-21 side and there is no guarantee he features for the first team in 2024/25.
By the same token, if he shows he is ready, Erik ten Hag will give the teenager a chance to impress.
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