RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande has been linked to Manchester United this summer, but the deal makes little financial sense – even if that wouldn’t have stopped Ed Woodward from taking a commercially-driven punt in years gone by.
Manchester United’s approach in the transfer window changed dramatically in 2024 after Sir Jim Ratcliffe hired a team to run football operations.
Not only did this lead to changes in personnel and significant investment into training infrastructure, but United are now behaving shrewdly when it comes to transfers.
It’s no secret that Ed Woodward was unpopular among United fans, remembered as a Glazer scrooge who performed abysmally in the transfer market after being appointed executive vice-chairman in 2012 following David Gill’s decision to step down as CEO.
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Man Utd have become stronger in the transfer market since bizarre Ed Woodward chapter
Woodward had many faults, from advising the Glazers on their debt-ridden takeover of United as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan to accepting a role that saw him directly oversee player negotiations, manager appointments, and transfer strategies.
Many of those who worked closely with Woodward had no doubts that Woodward wasn’t a football man. It was truly bizarre that a banker who had more of an interest in rugby was leading United’s recruitment and negotiating some of the biggest deals in football at the time.
Following fierce backlash from fans over United’s involvement in the failed European Super League fiasco, Woodward announced his intention to resign from his role. He officially stepped down at the beginning of February 2022 after 16 years at Old Trafford.
Nowadays, the ship is being navigated by Ineos chiefs Omar Berrada as chief executive officer, Jason Wilcox as sporting director, and Christopher Vivell as director of recruitment.
United have shown this summer that they have moved on from the Woodward era by not allowing other clubs to pull the wool over their eyes in the transfer market.
That has been evident with the signing of Tynan Thompson from Tottenham for £4m (plus £4m in add-ons) after United walked away from RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is reportedly valued at over £85m this summer on the back of one prolific season in the Bundesliga.
The Diomande transfer is an example of one that Woodward would be all over as a rash, desperate for a ‘big name’ arrival to hang his jacket on. He became obsessed with signing Gareth Bale for United for years.
Diomande may be miles ahead of Thompson as things stand, after starring for the Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup, but that doesn’t justify an £85m+ price tag.
It’s not like United are skimping on proven quality by not signing Diomande. He still has a lot to prove at the top level.
Ultimately, in stepping away from Woodward’s commercially motivated transfer hunts, United are prioritising long-term aims and ensuring that they spend the money wisely.
The worst transfers Woodward worked on include Alexis Sanchez, Angel Di Maria, Memphis Depay, and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
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Latest on Yan Diomande
Although Diomande was said to have agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain earlier this summer, no agreement has been reached with RB Leipzig.
That could open the door to other clubs, but RB Leipzig are demanding over £85m for Diomande, with the likes of Liverpool also said to be interested.
You will notice how these reports have stopped mentioning United as a potential destination. Especially after walking away from deals for players who are Premier League-proven for the same price.
Wherever Diomande will be next season, it won’t be Old Trafford. Leipzig might keep hold of their most prized asset for another season.
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