Manchester United have completed two permanent deals this summer for less than £100 million.
Typically, Manchester United do not have a reputation as smart spenders. Quite rightly. The fees paid for players through the years have not been smart.
This summer there appears to be a bit of a sea change, with United securing sensibly valued transfers for incoming stars Mason Mount and Andre Onana.
Both players have the potential to rise in value rather than depreciate, and will play as regulars for the first team next season and beyond.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loans, releases, youth for 2023/24
Mason Mount move
Manchester United came into the transfer window with a limited transfer budget which will later rely on player sales to bolster it.
And while there is a big need for a striker or two, the deals struck so far represent very good value.
Mason Mount will cost an initial £55 million, plus add-ons. He was valued by Chelsea at £85 million at the start of the summer, The Mail report.
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His expiring contract has reduced the fee, and while some could argue United are still paying a lot considering he had just 12 months left, over time, the money paid should hold up as a bargain.
Mount is a Champions League winner, who at 24, still has his best years ahead of him. His hard work off the ball and quality on it, makes him an ideal midfielder for Erik ten Hag’s system.
Andre Onana deal
Andre Onana has joined for £43 million plus add-ons. This is a fee which is again lower than the fee Inter Milan were seeking.
It is great value for a goalkeeper of his quality, who was on a long-term deal at Inter.
Look at the fee Liverpool paid for Alisson, £67 million, for a guide of what a top class goalkeeper can cost. They may feel he is worth every penny. United will feel the same about Onana.
Onana is proven at the top level, and still could have a decade left ahead of him at the top level.
These two deals are costing United £98 million plus add-ons, which can be construed as fair value in this market for two players who are expected to each play 40-50 games this coming season.
If they hit the heights United hope they can, the deals could end up looking incredible value. United would hope Moun can show why Chelsea valued him at £85 million, while Onana will aim to demonstrate he is up there as Alisson’s equal.
Success for both players will leave this transfer window looking very shrewd, with hopefully more sensible deals to come.