Manchester United had a busy summer transfer window as they looked to strengthen their squad in key areas.
Under the leadership of CEO Omar Berrada, the Red Devils adopted a calculated and strategic approach to their recruitment, focusing on making the right moves without overextending financially.
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With the club aiming to compete at the highest level both domestically and in Europe, every decision carried significant weight.
The club’s transfer strategy has evolved since the INEOS takeover, moving away from a history of splashing out large sums for top players under Glazers and Ed Woodward to a more measured approach that weighs both potential and value for money.
This shift has been critical for Manchester United, especially with Financial Fair Play regulations and market pressures in mind. The club has increasingly looked for unique market opportunities and emerging talent to meet their needs.
As football becomes more financially competitive, Manchester United, like many other elite clubs, must balance their ambitions with fiscal responsibility.
This delicate dance between strengthening the squad and ensuring long-term sustainability is something Omar Berrada has embraced since taking over key transfer decisions at Old Trafford.
Omar Berrada blocked the Jarrad Branthwaite move
One of the key examples of this new transfer approach was United’s pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Branthwaite was initially a priority target for United to bolster their central defence, but a deal did not materialise due to disagreements over his valuation.
According to ESPN, United’s CEO Omar Berrada played a crucial role in this by blocking the transfer deal and withdrawing from negotiations with Everton.
Despite personal terms being agreed on a contract worth £150,000-£160,000 per week, United refused to meet Everton’s hefty £75 million price tag for the 22-year-old.
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Everton drew comparisons between Branthwaite and Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol, who joined from RB Leipzig for a similar fee the previous summer.
However, Berrada valued Branthwaite closer to £50-60 million, citing his relative lack of experience compared to the Croatian international.
This valuation difference ultimately saw United walk away from the deal.
Berrada’s disciplined stance echoed United’s approach throughout the summer transfer window.
The club only agreed to pay full price for Lille’s Leny Yoro, who was reportedly viewed as a ‘unique market opportunity,’ while Branthwaite, despite his strong campaign with Everton last season, was deemed not worth the inflated fee.
The young defender played a key role in helping Everton avoid relegation, despite their eight-point deduction for breaching PSR spending limits, earning praise from Arsenal legend Ian Wright, who described him as “very brave.”
United had reportedly hoped to take advantage of Everton’s financial difficulties, particularly after a failed takeover bid, to secure Branthwaite for a lower fee.
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However, Everton were resolute in their demand, and after Amadou Onana’s £50 million move to Aston Villa, the Toffees’ financial concerns were eased.
Manchester United made the right call
In hindsight, United likely made the right call in not overpaying for Branthwaite.
The club has been guilty of spending excessively on top targets in the past, most notably in the case of Antony.
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Ajax initially valued Antony at £40 million, but extended negotiations saw Manchester United eventually pay double that amount, a deal widely considered poor business for the club.
Before Berrada’s involvement in transfer dealings, John Murtough was responsible for such decisions under the Glazers.
Under Murtough, United may have been more inclined to meet Everton’s valuation, potentially missing out on other opportunities.
Instead, Berrada’s strict adherence to spending limits allowed the club to secure other valuable signings, such as Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte, for lower fixed fees with performance-based add-ons.
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