Manchester United’s recruitment strategy over the past decade has been laughable at times.
Despite being one of the biggest spenders in the Premier League on transfers, Manchester United do not have much to show for it.
Over £180m was spent on five signings last summer, and now Sir Jim Ratcliffe has confirmed that United were going bust by the end of 2025.
The Red Devils still owe over £300million in owed transfer payments. United have already spent £89m on transfers for the upcoming summer window.
Ineos are changing the transfer strategy to steer away from mega-money signings and instead invest in young, exciting prospects.
Man United chiefs ignored Rasmus Hojlund ‘warning signs’
In the summer, United are expected to splash the cash on a star striker. That is because there has been far too much pressure and responsibility on the shoulders of 22-year-old Rasmus Hojlund.
Hojlund has “looked lost” at times this season, and he only recently ended a 21-game goal drought by scoring against Leicester City.
The young Dane has shown signs of promise, but Hojlund was signed by United for £72m which has piled even more pressure on him to perform.
According to The Telegraph, United’s data financial modelling suggested that no more than £50m should be spent on Hojlund. Despite these “warning signs”, United chiefs went ahead and paid £22m more for the young striker.
The report adds that the data on Hojlund was “encouraging” and reports on his character and personality were also “very favourable”, but United did end up overspending in their deal with Atalanta.
How much is Rasmus Hojlund worth now?
Clearly United’s data team felt the club had significantly overspent on Hojlund after a £50m price tag was set.
After a strong debut season at Old Trafford, though, it was reported that Hojlund was worth £85m in January 2024 – suggesting United had actually signed the Dane on the cheap.
A year later in January 2025, it was reported that Hojlund’s value dropped to £59m, making him the fourth-most valuable player in the squad.
That perhaps explains why Hojlund has been linked with an exit this summer with Ineos weighing up whether or not to cash in on the striker.
If Hojlund did leave at the end of the season, it would be difficult to see how United could earn a profit on their £72m purchase.
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