Wot, no transfers? (2026)

Offside said:
How are we doing versus a normal World Cup year? When was the last World Cup year we had more than two senior players signed on 1st August? There will inevitably be a lot more activity later in the window.
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The last summer World Cup was the window of Dalot, Fred and Lee Grant so I think we can safely say this one is already an improvement on that!
 
The squad isn't deep enough for a 60 game season, but that won't begin to bite until the UCL gets up and running. For the August fixtures, it's fine. We'll probably see at least two or three further additions before the window closes, but I suspect the club may be waiting until later in the window to see what opportunities might arise.
 
I’d be concerned if it hadn’t just been quiet generally; there’s just not been that much business.

Partly it’s the World Cup dominating things for 6 weeks, partly it’s Spurs and Chelsea skewing fees towards the more mental end of the fruitcake tin.
 
The issue I have is if we wanted Lewis Hall why have we not pushed for him sooner? Not like he was at the World Cup or he's had other suitors.

It might be we're delaying and hoping the transfer market calms down late on. Or we're just dragging our feet and hoping other clubs get desperate. I hate how late we do our business though as it always has a knock on effect to the new Season.
 
Quite concerned about no CB activity.

Midfield is a tricky one. I think we've been astute, but I don't think it's a title challenging midfield.

Would like another attacking player or striker and a LB.
 
IRN-BRUno said:
The last summer World Cup was the window of Dalot, Fred and Lee Grant so I think we can safely say this one is already an improvement on that!
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Think the one before that we had Shaw and Herrera as the only signings having finished 7th and our first league game had Nani, Hernandez and Kagawa all of whom never played again. Not that those disastrous summers were the way to do it but proof that transfer activity inevitably happens later in the window and us having two players in a position we need is at least a good start.
 
The lack of any real transfer updates over the past few weeks is a bit frustrating / annoying, but until the window closes without us strengthening, I'm going to believe that that's because we're running a much tighter ship than before and there are basically no leaks coming from the club.

Our attempt to sign Matteus Fernandes was well publicised, but there's a good chance that was Mendes trying (and succeeding) to get as much money as possible for his client. Santos and Tielemans basically came out of nowhere, so I'm hopeful that we'll get 2-3 more signing out of the blue before the transfer window shuts.
 
Dr. StrangeHate said:
Just remember this was our line up couple of years back:


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The squad transformation past couple of years has been immense, which is why we finished 3rd last season. There is now proper quality in the squad. However we need to keep pushing on.
 
Have to admit that the recent Whitwell article is a concern. Goes to show that even with strong revenues, it doesn’t matter if there isn’t cash available to spend. From what I understand, correct me if I’m wrong, the club have made efforts to pay back the debt from the revolving credit facility and have paid it back, but seem reluctant to use it again. I have been a believer in that the club are using the media to help reset the United tax on transfers and hopefully there is more spending and activity near the end of the window.
 
Giggsy13 said:
Have to admit that the recent Whitwell article is a concern. Goes to show that even with strong revenues, it doesn’t matter if there isn’t cash available to spend. From what I understand, correct me if I’m wrong, the club have made efforts to pay back the debt from the revolving credit facility and have paid it back, but seem reluctant to use it again. I have been a believer in that the club are using the media to help reset the United tax on transfers and hopefully there is more spending and activity near the end of the window.
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Whitwell doesn't know. He's just giving his opinion. Also worth noting he really likes Mount, which may have something to do with him suggesting Mount could be our #4 midfielder (which may actually wind up happening imo).
 
Not sure why so many are getting frustrated, I understand X content creators, as they have nothing to talk about so it is frustrating for them.. Real fans shouldn't be.

We seem to be running a tighter ship, barely any players linked with us right now.

Lewis Hall is the only solid link right now, because he is the best LB available.

I am willing to be patient and waiting to see what happens.
 
romufc said:
Not sure why so many are getting frustrated, I understand X content creators, as they have nothing to talk about so it is frustrating for them.. Real fans shouldn't be.

We seem to be running a tighter ship, barely any players linked with us right now.

Lewis Hall is the only solid link right now, because he is the best LB available.

I am willing to be patient and waiting to see what happens.
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Because the later in the window it gets the less time for the new players to bed in and get up to the required fitness and chemistry. If we are serious about challenging then we should be getting our business done early.
 
Desert Eagle said:
Because the later in the window it gets the less time for the new players to bed in and get up to the required fitness and chemistry. If we are serious about challenging then we should be getting our business done early.
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Realistically, who are you looking at getting in?

So for example, personally, I would like Lewis Hall, a CM like Baleba but I am not that fussed who it is and a backup ST whilst offloading Zirkzee.

Required fitness - Most players will be doing their own pre season at their respective clubs, so should be fit.

Now, the window closes 1st September, which is about a month away, we play Hull and Ipswich in that time.

Am I comfortable with Shaw starting LB those 2 games? yes.
Am I comfortable with Tielemans, Santos, Mount, Mainoo, Bruno in midfield for those? yes.
Am I comfortable with Sesko / Mbuemo / Cunha as strikers yes.

From when the season starts on 21st september, its 1 game a week until 20th september, where there is a 3 week international break.

Only after 10th October does it matter to have a squad.. when we consistently play two times a week.

I am confident we get 2/3 more players, if we dont then its a concern.
 
romufc said:
Not sure why so many are getting frustrated, I understand X content creators, as they have nothing to talk about so it is frustrating for them.. Real fans shouldn't be.

We seem to be running a tighter ship, barely any players linked with us right now.

Lewis Hall is the only solid link right now, because he is the best LB available.

I am willing to be patient and waiting to see what happens.
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Yep. It boggles my mind how a person calling themselves "a journalist" can make a tweet about for example "United considering Hall" (this story was running a few days ago) . What surprises me even more is it annoys fans that take this literally as this implies we have not considered Hall before, but now we do!

Of course we have been considering Hall, I bet we are in contact with Newcastle and so far couldn't work out a deal that satisfies both parties. Keep in mind Tonali transfer hapenned very quickly in the window, so early July it's possible Newcastle wanted say 80-90m for him. Would fans be happy if we would've agreed those demands? Probably no.

The reality is we don't know shit. Nobody suspected Santos and Tielemans deals, so the apparent "inactivity" in the transfer window also means absolutely nothing.

We're in oksyish position to start the season. We are in bad shape for when the games start coming thick and fast, but I am confident the club knows this. What I am also relatively relaxed about is club identifying the targets, as for the last 2 seasons our transfers at least 'make sense'. What I am not confident about are the finances, and believe Rashford and Ugarte really fecked us up.

Rashford imo is the key. If we manage to feck him off we will be buying. And I am sure we're pushing him out, but there must be a buyer and that may take time until the end of the summer.
 
Borys said:
Yep. It boggles my mind how a person calling themselves "a journalist" can make a tweet about for example "United considering Hall" (this story was running a few days ago) . What surprises me even more is it annoys fans that take this literally as this implies we have not considered Hall before, but now we do!

Of course we have been considering Hall, I bet we are in contact with Newcastle and so far couldn't work out a deal that satisfies both parties. Keep in mind Tonali transfer hapenned very quickly in the window, so early July it's possible Newcastle wanted say 80-90m for him. Would fans be happy if we would've agreed those demands? Probably no.

The reality is we don't know shit. Nobody suspected Santos and Tielemans deals, so the apparent "inactivity" in the transfer window also means absolutely nothing.

We're in oksyish position to start the season. We are in bad shape for when the games start coming thick and fast, but I am confident the club knows this. What I am also relatively relaxed about is club identifying the targets, as for the last 2 seasons our transfers at least 'make sense'. What I am not confident about are the finances, and believe Rashford and Ugarte really fecked us up.

Rashford imo is the key. If we manage to feck him off we will be buying. And I am sure we're pushing him out, but there must be a buyer and that may take time until the end of the summer.
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Exactly, its not like other teams have done all their business, you look around, Liverpool fans are crying for transfers, Spurs even though they have spent so much, they need 2 more forwards, City need reinforcements at full back.

Just because Chelsea, Spurs and City have spent over 100m on one individual transfer, it seems negative what we have done.

It is also quite clear that Carrick was having a look at what players can step up from the academy, which can direct us in where we may need to spend money. For instance, a few games and reports of Amass going on loan, clearly suggests the club feel we need another LB.

We had players like Obi, Gore, Fletcher's in the squad for first 2 games, then last game you saw some of the younger players dropped.

Its given players like Lacey a chance to show they can be relied on this season, maybe even Mount in the CM to some extent.

I agree, Rashford is the biggest one, I don't think there is anyone that wants him back, he has lost his number 10 so his whole MR10 is useless. He needs to accept that his stock is very low.
No top club would touch him, Barca after having him preferred to pay 2/3 times more for another player.
Teams like Spurs would rather Gapko, Savinho for double the price.
 
romufc said:
Realistically, who are you looking at getting in?

So for example, personally, I would like Lewis Hall, a CM like Baleba but I am not that fussed who it is and a backup ST whilst offloading Zirkzee.

Required fitness - Most players will be doing their own pre season at their respective clubs, so should be fit.

Now, the window closes 1st September, which is about a month away, we play Hull and Ipswich in that time.

Am I comfortable with Shaw starting LB those 2 games? yes.
Am I comfortable with Tielemans, Santos, Mount, Mainoo, Bruno in midfield for those? yes.
Am I comfortable with Sesko / Mbuemo / Cunha as strikers yes.

From when the season starts on 21st september, its 1 game a week until 20th september, where there is a 3 week international break.

Only after 10th October does it matter to have a squad.. when we consistently play two times a week.

I am confident we get 2/3 more players, if we dont then its a concern.
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If two of your targets are Hall and Baleba then it makes no sense to wait. They are only going to get more expensive closer to the end of the window. Hall in particular has probably been priced out of range because of other deals Newcastle made earlier in the window. Either get the deal done early at an acceptable price or move on to other more attainable targets. The idea that we have plenty of time because it only matters to have a squad after 10th October is ridiculous.
 
romufc said:
Realistically, who are you looking at getting in?

So for example, personally, I would like Lewis Hall, a CM like Baleba but I am not that fussed who it is and a backup ST whilst offloading Zirkzee.

Required fitness - Most players will be doing their own pre season at their respective clubs, so should be fit.

Now, the window closes 1st September, which is about a month away, we play Hull and Ipswich in that time.

Am I comfortable with Shaw starting LB those 2 games? yes.
Am I comfortable with Tielemans, Santos, Mount, Mainoo, Bruno in midfield for those? yes.
Am I comfortable with Sesko / Mbuemo / Cunha as strikers yes.

From when the season starts on 21st september, its 1 game a week until 20th september, where there is a 3 week international break.

Only after 10th October does it matter to have a squad.. when we consistently play two times a week.

I am confident we get 2/3 more players, if we dont then its a concern.
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Precisely this.
 
romufc said:
Exactly, its not like other teams have done all their business, you look around, Liverpool fans are crying for transfers, Spurs even though they have spent so much, they need 2 more forwards, City need reinforcements at full back.

Just because Chelsea, Spurs and City have spent over 100m on one individual transfer, it seems negative what we have done.
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Well I do believe we look negative compared to Spurs and Chelsea, and I amire their dedication to spend basically "what it takes" to get the players they want. In that light, we are falling a bit behind but there must be some financial reason behind it. I also believe this is to be judged after the window closes. Again I think Santos + Tielemans was a better deal than just Fernandes (at least in our specific case of "1 senior midfielder in the squad").

romufc said:
It is also quite clear that Carrick was having a look at what players can step up from the academy, which can direct us in where we may need to spend money. For instance, a few games and reports of Amass going on loan, clearly suggests the club feel we need another LB.

We had players like Obi, Gore, Fletcher's in the squad for first 2 games, then last game you saw some of the younger players dropped.

Its given players like Lacey a chance to show they can be relied on this season, maybe even Mount in the CM to some extent.
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Honestly the approach to academy players is a bit strange to me. Especially Fletchers and Lacey - all occupy positions we're pretty stuffed in. They don't look close to making any first team impact therefore I don't know what's the idea here. Pretty underwhelming time for academy imo, but maybe I'm a bit too pessimistic.
Amass doesn't change a thing for our LB situation. We need first choice and proper backup Left Back, Amass is neither at the moment (whether we rate his potential or not is irrelevant now).


romufc said:
I agree, Rashford is the biggest one, I don't think there is anyone that wants him back, he has lost his number 10 so his whole MR10 is useless. He needs to accept that his stock is very low.
No top club would touch him, Barca after having him preferred to pay 2/3 times more for another player.
Teams like Spurs would rather Gapko, Savinho for double the price.
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100% club wants to feck him off.

In my opinion here's the current transfer situation:
- we have 3 midfielders which will be starting all games, rotating, will get another one but a backup for Santos (we didn't get Santos from Chelsea bench to sit him on our bench for example because of Tchoumeni)
- we will get a Left Back - Hall or a much cheaper backup option, this is up in the air but looking unlikely with Newcastle taking us to the cleaners because, well, they can
- striker situation - biggest quesion mark here. 50/50 if we can offload Rashford and Zirkzee. If either of them stays, my money is on "no additional striker bought this summer"

As I mentioned before, I never expected a marquee signing this summer so I am not that worried. I would like to understand our financial situation better though because it looks like we're shopping in 2nd tier bucket or focusing more on "market opportunity" rather than who we want to get.

That said, here's a question: who would we sign to improve our starting XI? I don't even think there have been many roumors around whole summer (I am not a big fan of Tchouameni btw). So, in a way I am not that surprised it's going like that so far.

@romufc made a very good point about "multiple games a week" starting only after 10th of October, so whether we do our transfers now or in 2 weeks time doesn't make that much of a difference IMO - as long as we get them done though.
 
Desert Eagle said:
If two of your targets are Hall and Baleba then it makes no sense to wait. They are only going to get more expensive closer to the end of the window. Hall in particular has probably been priced out of range because of other deals Newcastle made earlier in the window. Either get the deal done early at an acceptable price or move on to other more attainable targets. The idea that we have plenty of time because it only matters to have a squad after 10th October is ridiculous.
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So your proposal is to do what exactly? Initiate Hall discussion in June, probably get a "we can sell him for 80m" (maybe more?) answer from Newcastle, and basically agree on that and pay straight away? Bare in mind Tonali was bought late June so it's likely Newcastle already knew they can put a high price on their other players.

Most fans would be unhappy with that fee for a LB, it's only in the hindsight we can say "we should've paid the asking price a month ago". This is not how this works. We moved quickly from Fernandes/Ederson to Santos and Tielemans, the speed of action isn't a problem.

I also don't understand what you mean by "wait". I don't think there's nothing going on between the transfer moves. If we buy someone later this window it's not because someone came with a new idea "what about this fella" and things started moving. Why are Arsenal taking so long with Bruno and Vini? Surely they would be better off integrating them to the squad already?
 
romufc said:
Realistically, who are you looking at getting in?

So for example, personally, I would like Lewis Hall, a CM like Baleba but I am not that fussed who it is and a backup ST whilst offloading Zirkzee.

Required fitness - Most players will be doing their own pre season at their respective clubs, so should be fit.

Now, the window closes 1st September, which is about a month away, we play Hull and Ipswich in that time.

Am I comfortable with Shaw starting LB those 2 games? yes.
Am I comfortable with Tielemans, Santos, Mount, Mainoo, Bruno in midfield for those? yes.
Am I comfortable with Sesko / Mbuemo / Cunha as strikers yes.

From when the season starts on 21st september, its 1 game a week until 20th september, where there is a 3 week international break.

Only after 10th October does it matter to have a squad.. when we consistently play two times a week.

I am confident we get 2/3 more players, if we dont then its a concern.
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The concern isn't for the start of the season, or if we can beat Hull and Ipswich, but overall. I'd be ecstatic at this point with Hall and Baleba, but the idea of us pulling this or anything similar off in the last few days of the window will seem increasingly unlikely with time, because every selling club will start smelling the desperation. This little waiting game they've got going on makes very little sense, if the club is actually serious about signing more players. Them still being in the apparent mode of "evaluating" left-back and midfield options with under four weeks to go is also not a good sign. At this point you'd assume the targets would be quite clear.
 
Shark said:
The squad transformation past couple of years has been immense, which is why we finished 3rd last season. There is now proper quality in the squad. However we need to keep pushing on.
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We finished 3rd because the main coach finally cracked under pressure in like his 10th public meltdown after Wilcox was trying to force him to change his tactics. The only tactics he knew how to play.

That lineup wasnt our main 11, it misses Bruno and has Casemiro/Evans at CB.

For me, Ineos are still very far from convincing and what exactly they are building here. A new Aston Villa or United of old. I do think Carrick has good potential so there is that. And yes, thanks also and massively to him we are in CL. Bring him more talent. Help him to push on.
 
Personally I think part of the issue is the wage bill. We wrongly assumed Rashford and Ugarte would be off the books by now. Throw in the GKs and Zirkzee, loans are only a short term solution. We're still living with the consequences of having personal we cannot shift. That must have a knock on effect, surely?

Getting into the CL also means a number of our players have a wage increase too. Makes it even harder to shift on the deadwood.
 
sp_cgb said:
The concern isn't for the start of the season, or if we can beat Hull and Ipswich, but overall. I'd be ecstatic at this point with Hall and Baleba, but the idea of us pulling this or anything similar off in the last few days of the window will seem increasingly unlikely with time, because every selling club will start smelling the desperation. This little waiting game they've got going on makes very little sense, if the club is actually serious about signing more players. Them still being in the apparent mode of "evaluating" left-back and midfield options with under four weeks to go is also not a good sign. At this point you'd assume the targets would be quite clear.
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But we are desperate for midfielders this summer. This isn't something that other clubs realised just now. We've put ourselves in a good position with Santos and Tielemans early on because nobody knows our next move now.

We must understand that Fernandes asking price was ridiculous BECAUSE OF OUR INTEREST. West Ham was aware of our desperation. I don't think it's the same now and we can negotiate more deals in parallel, acting like we are actually ok with the current squad.

Alternatively, the math ain't mathing with our finances because of inability to cash in some players, but that's a whole other problem.

There's also an option in between, so we have some deals on the table but can't commit until we fix the finances.

It's not a simple case at all. "paying the asking price" also isn't the solution here.
 
RedSky said:
Personally I think part of the issue is the wage bill. We wrongly assumed Rashford and Ugarte would be off the books by now. Throw in the GKs and Zirkzee, loans are only a short term solution. We're still living with the consequences of having personal we cannot shift. That must have a knock on effect, surely?

Getting into the CL also means a number of our players have a wage increase too. Makes it even harder to shift on the deadwood.
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Definitely, i will give them that. The amount of players that were here on such nonsense contracts and with shit attitude is quite something. Still, then I also get reminded they tried to move Casemiro as well and there is zero chance we would end up 3rd last season without him. But yeah, wage bill was (and is) a massive issue.

But for me, it doesnt even need to be some big name. Bring some young, exciting talent just to boost it a bit. Or try to find some smart deals with players like Youri who have good attitude. Atm, we are kind of again hoping Mount can have a healthy year.
 
Despite all the good discussion in this thread, I can’t take it seriously seeing as Colin didn’t create it
 
The muppet in me isn’t too worried for a few reasons. It’s been quiet all summer as the press clearly have no idea what we’re up to. I think we’ve got a set budget and we’re exploring multiple deals at once to work out who we can sign for that total amount. Might be looking at a few different players in multiple positions and how best to split our budget. If something does happen then I think it’ll be for two or three players all at once.

That’s the muppet in me anyway.
 
Borys said:
So your proposal is to do what exactly? Initiate Hall discussion in June, probably get a "we can sell him for 80m" (maybe more?) answer from Newcastle, and basically agree on that and pay straight away? Bare in mind Tonali was bought late June so it's likely Newcastle already knew they can put a high price on their other players.

Most fans would be unhappy with that fee for a LB, it's only in the hindsight we can say "we should've paid the asking price a month ago". This is not how this works. We moved quickly from Fernandes/Ederson to Santos and Tielemans, the speed of action isn't a problem.

I also don't understand what you mean by "wait". I don't think there's nothing going on between the transfer moves. If we buy someone later this window it's not because someone came with a new idea "what about this fella" and things started moving. Why are Arsenal taking so long with Bruno and Vini? Surely they would be better off integrating them to the squad already?
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Shit or get off the pot. It's not that hard of a concept to grasp. Figure out if those two transfers are available for the price we are willing to pay and if not move on to other targets like we did with the midfield duo and get it done quickly.
 
I think we were going for a third midfielder until Carrick saw Santos this pre season. Now I think we are going for versatile players that can play midfield/ full back. Not an elite midfielder, but enough to provide cover. MLS and Scalvini as example.

I think that's not a very good decision. Would rather want us to take a stab at the problem now, instead of patch work till the same issue happens again in the future.

Good thing to see though is we are being cautious this window, but this can back fire easily

If our owner's attitude is that we reach CL next season, we need to build a squad that can atleast challenge for the title to some degree. Practically we can qualify for CL, but if and only if our main players remain fit. And that rarely happens in a tight schedule.
 
sp_cgb said:
I'd be ecstatic at this point with Hall and Baleba, but the idea of us pulling this or anything similar off in the last few days of the window will seem increasingly unlikely with time, because every selling club will start smelling the desperation.
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Before the start of the season these players combined were valued around 110-120 mil together or atleast everyone thought they were.

Right now i would be surprised that we spend less than 150m for the pair of them. No way we are getting both. Time to think of mid players that can fit our budget or we end up making sales which is generally a false hope
 
Desert Eagle said:
Shit or get off the pot. It's not that hard of a concept to grasp. Figure out if those two transfers are available for the price we are willing to pay and if not move on to other targets like we did with the midfield duo and get it done quickly.
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In my humble opinion you are significantly overestimating "early inclusion" of the new players into the squad. For me the impact is quite low. In some cases it's simply not worth moving quickly to the other targets simply because we couldn't get it done quickly.

Let's say Hall is a 10 (no 1 target). Who is next, Lewis-Skelly at what, 5/6? He is alright but quite a drop really. Is this worth moving from Hall to MSK because we couldn't get the deal done quickly?
Keep in mind we might not know our finance situation considering Rashford, Zirkzee etc are still here. So at some point if we can cash in, we will be able to make a deal with Newcastle. Another aspect to remember is the selling club needs to make some arrangements as well. Multiple reasons not all the transfers are done early.

The baseline is we know our starting XI for the opening games. We need to strengthen for next months. Moving to Lewis Skelly just to integrate him quickly and still play Shaw in the opening games makes little sense.
 
Borys said:
In my humble opinion you are significantly overestimating "early inclusion" of the new players into the squad. For me the impact is quite low. In some cases it's simply not worth moving quickly to the other targets simply because we couldn't get it done quickly.

Let's say Hall is a 10 (no 1 target). Who is next, Lewis-Skelly at what, 5/6? He is alright but quite a drop really. Is this worth moving from Hall to MSK because we couldn't get the deal done quickly?
Keep in mind we might not know our finance situation considering Rashford, Zirkzee etc are still here. So at some point if we can cash in, we will be able to make a deal with Newcastle. Another aspect to remember is the selling club needs to make some arrangements as well. Multiple reasons not all the transfers are done early.

The baseline is we know our starting XI for the opening games. We need to strengthen for next months. Moving to Lewis Skelly just to integrate him quickly and still play Shaw in the opening games makes little sense.
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I think another reason for the delay is that we cannot commit a large amount towards any player unless we know who will be leaving. United must have planned with Rashford / Zirkzee/ Ugarte leaving probably. All 3 players are still here.

So best case scenario, as soon as Rashford gets concrete interest, we'll see significant movement in all positions. Only hope Saudi convinces him with a 400k contract
 
CtrlAltDeLigt said:
I think another reason for the delay is that we cannot commit a large amount towards any player unless we know who will be leaving. United must have planned with Rashford / Zirkzee/ Ugarte leaving probably. All 3 players are still here.

So best case scenario, as soon as Rashford gets concrete interest, we'll see significant movement in all positions. Only hope Saudi convinces him with a 400k contract
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And also until we know for sure Tchouameni signs his contract extension at Madrid when he comes back from holiday. Would be stupid to buy some expensive player only to learn a week later you could maybe have bought Tchouameni once Madrid sign Rodri. I think we are in the waiting now. Players to sell and looking to see what certain clubs/players will do.
 
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