Manchester United’s transfer strategy has pivoted with Ineos taking charge, and Edwin van der Sar thinks it will continue now.
With the window not even open until June 15th, Man Utd fans are already clamouring for the club to complete their business.
The window kicked off in style last summer when Matheus Cunha was signed, sealed, and delivered on the opening day.
Ederson could be the same this summer, but Edwin van der Sar thinks United’s true strategy will come to the fore again.
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Man Utd will prioritise Premier League again
A key reason why United jumped from 15th in the league last season to 3rd this year is that the attack improved massively.
That improvement was down to Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha taking up the early burden, before Benjamin Sesko eventually joined the party.
Mbeumo and Cunha’s familiarity with the league protected Sesko as they hit the ground running, and Edwin van der Sar believes it gives United a template to work from.
He said: “Goal-scoring-wise, with the addition of Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko, they have a little more grit, stability, a little bit older players, and in the past, they went for some young players.
“I think they will do that again this summer; they will look at the Premier League to see which players are available to fill the gaps to make sure that the level of Man United goes up every year.”
Van der Sar’s assessment puts Elliot Anderson in focus
Van der Sar is correct in his assessment that United were guilty of buying players who were either not ready, or were past their best.
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Last summer, United bought two players at the peak of their powers who were PL proven, and added two young players with a high ceiling who can learn their trade in England.
If United attack the market with the same template, as Van der Sar thinks they will, then it brings Elliot Anderson into focus.
With Ederson, the first non-PL signing is as good as done, which means the other two midfielders are likely to be PL-proven.
One is seemingly Mateus Fernandes, who will leave relegated West Ham and would love to join United.
Next is Elliot Anderson, despite City leading the race. It’s worth noting that the “race” has always been about which club is leading it.
No reliable outlet has reported that Anderson has rejected United, and the club have let it stay in the media that they are still in it.
If the fourth and fifth signings are outside the Premier League, then Anderson or Baleba will be the fifth signing if United continue their template from last season.
Considering how important the midfield is, it would be a surprise if they didn’t. It puts Anderson squarely in focus.
That saga is far from over.
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