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Manchester United’s chief executive officer, Omar Berrada, has delivered a strong statement about the club’s transfer plans, making it clear that the Red Devils will not allow agents or intermediaries to dictate their decisions. Following a successful campaign that saw the club qualify for the Champions League under head coach Michael Carrick, the management has reaffirmed its commitment to a disciplined and long-term approach in the transfer market.

A structured path to recruitment success

Berrada revealed that United will continue to build on the successful transfer framework that reshaped the squad last season. Speaking on the club’s official Inside Carrington podcast, he explained that the football structure, headed by director of football Jason Wilcox, is ready to execute a well-defined vision for the 2026-27 season.

“I think the template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” said Omar. “When you go into a transfer window, you never know exactly how it will unfold, but preparation is key. You need a clear plan; you must identify the positions that require strengthening, and you also have to be ready for unexpected developments. There might be departures we didn’t foresee or opportunities in the market that weren’t available at the start of the window.”

Staying firm against outside market influences

The United CEO was particularly assertive on the subject of external pressures. In a landscape dominated by soaring fees and agent-driven negotiations, Berrada emphasised that United will make decisions based on their own strategy rather than market trends. The club’s focus is on long-term stability instead of short-term solutions that could jeopardise financial balance.

“We have to be very disciplined; it’s straightforward. We know what we can invest in and we intend to stick to that. Sometimes, we might make an investment that benefits us not just for the next two or three years but for the next decade. What’s crucial is that we remain focused on our goals. It’s vital that we don’t let the market or the agents determine our actions,” Berrada stated.

Analytics and leadership driving smarter decisions

A major factor behind United’s improved efficiency in the transfer market has been the integration of advanced data analytics. Under the leadership of Michael Sansoni, the club’s director of data, the aim is to reduce risk and maximise the impact of every new signing. Berrada believes that the combination of an established football leadership team and modern analytical tools has given the club an edge compared to previous years.

“We must be prepared, agile, and adaptable. But we also have a clear plan. Jason Wilcox and his team are excellently positioned to deliver on it. What we achieved last season is a great example of the balance we seek — a mix of experience and youth, players proven in the Premier League, and others performing impressively outside it. With the football leadership setup and the investment in Michael Sansoni’s data department, we’re in a strong position. I believe the quality of our decisions will continue to improve as the team grows and we keep investing in these areas,” he explained.

Looking back on a turning point year

The confidence inside Old Trafford’s boardroom stems from the successful transfer business conducted last summer. The arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens — who was honoured as the Premier League’s Transfer of the Season — have validated the club’s recruitment strategy. These acquisitions were instrumental in helping Carrick guide United to a third-place finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition.

“The four senior signings we made last year have all been excellent,” Berrada commented. “Each one has contributed significantly to our success this season. They’re all unique in their own way — Senne shows maturity beyond his years; Cunha is full of charisma and energy on the pitch; Bryan is quieter off it but becomes a leader once the game starts; and Sesko displays a relentless desire to improve, which we’ve seen reflected in his performances over recent months. We’re extremely pleased with the impact of these signings and want to continue in that direction, while maintaining the hunger and ambition that already exists within our squad.”