Sophia
Manchester United embarked on their 2025 summer transfer window with a clear mandate: to rectify the shortcomings of a historically poor campaign and provide Ruben Amorim with the tools to implement his tactical vision. After finishing a dismal 15th in the Premier League – their lowest position in the post-1992 era – and losing more matches than they won for the first time in 35 years, the pressure was immense. The Red Devils brought in five new players, hoping to inject much-needed quality and depth.
Amorim’s arrival midway through the previous season introduced a new tactical setup, demanding both adjustment time and new personnel. While glimpses of promise have emerged – a dominant performance against Arsenal, albeit without the desired result, and four points from games against Fulham and Burnley – the humiliating Carabao Cup exit at the hands of League Two’s Grimsby Town served as a stark reminder of the work still to be done.
Best Signing: Bryan Mbeumo – An Immediate Impact
Manchester United’s most glaring issue in 2024-25 wasn’t conceding goals, but rather their inability to score them. They drew blanks in an astonishing 15 league matches, almost half their total games. This meant that even a single defensive lapse often proved insurmountable.
Strengthening the attack was paramount, and United acted decisively. They triggered the £62.5 million ($84 million) release clause for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, a player who bagged 15 goals and six assists last season. However, it’s Bryan Mbeumo’s arrival that has truly caught the eye.
After a protracted negotiation over his £71 million transfer fee from Brentford, the Cameroon international has already proven his worth. With 20 Premier League goals last season, Mbeumo offers a direct and potent attacking threat. His immediate impact was evident against Arsenal, providing a constant out-ball into the right inside channel, crucial for United’s quick transitions. He found the net for the first time in the 3-2 victory over Burnley, signaling a promising partnership with his new teammates.
Biggest Gamble: Benjamin Šeško – A Raw Prospect with High Ceilings
While Cunha and Mbeumo bring proven Premier League pedigree, United’s most expensive summer acquisition, Benjamin Šeško, represents a significant gamble. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker, acquired for over £70 million, remains a raw talent.
His 14 and 13 league goals across two Bundesliga seasons are respectable, but not outstanding, outputs. With Rasmus Højlund loaned to Napoli with a £38 million obligation to buy, Amorim is understandably cautious not to heap too much pressure on Šeško. His three Premier League appearances have all been from the bench, as he slowly adapts to the intensity of English football. Šeško is clearly earmarked as a penalty-box striker, tasked with finishing chances rather than extensive all-round play. His eight touches against Burnley, including two off-target headers, highlight the need for greater clinicality. The potential is undeniable, but the wait for it to fully materialize could be a test of patience.
Shrewd Business: Senne Lammens – A Long-Term Goalkeeping Solution
After securing three new attackers and teenage defender Diego León, the final piece of United’s summer puzzle was Belgian goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The goalkeeping position has been a source of debate since David de Gea’s departure, with neither Altay Bayındır nor André Onana consistently impressing. While Emiliano Martínez, the Yashin Trophy holder, was reportedly available, a move didn’t make financial sense given his wages and Aston Villa’s likely asking price.
Lammens, at 23, is a younger, more affordable option at £18.2 million from Royal Antwerp. He’s been tipped to eventually succeed Thibaut Courtois as Belgium’s number one, showcasing his long-term potential. His initial role at United is somewhat ambiguous, designed to compete for the number one spot without immediate pressure, allowing him to develop away from the intense spotlight.
Man Utd’s Transfer Window Grade: B
United largely achieved their two primary objectives: strengthening the attack and offloading players not integral to Amorim’s plans. While significant losses were incurred on Antony (to Real Betis) and Højlund, these moves allow the club to draw a line under past investments. Alejandro Garnacho’s £40 million move to Chelsea is considered ‘pure profit’ in PSR terms, though some may argue for a higher fee given his potential.
The club also managed to offload high earners, with Barcelona taking on Marcus Rashford’s full salary and Aston Villa covering some of Jadon Sancho’s wages. While permanent exits would have been ideal, these loan deals offer both financial relief and a chance for the players to reignite their careers.
The one area where fans might feel let down is the lack of a new central midfielder. This vulnerability has been apparent in the early weeks of the season. Interest in Brighton’s Carlos Baleba stalled due to a prohibitive price tag, and Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller reportedly opted to remain in the Bundesliga for another year.
Overall, Manchester United’s 2025 summer transfer window can be described as good, not perfect, but far from bad. It represents a sensible step forward in a long-term rebuilding process.
Incoming Transfers: Summer 2025
| Player | Age | From | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Matheus Cunha | 26 | Wolves | £62.5 million |
| Diego León | 18 | Cerro Porteño | £7 million |
| Bryan Mbeumo | 26 | Brentford | £71 million |
| Benjamin Šeško | 22 | RB Leipzig | £73.7 million |
| Senne Lammens | 23 | Royal Antwerp | £18.2 million |
Outgoing Transfers: Summer 2025
| Player | Age | Joined | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jonny Evans | 37 | Retired | – |
| Christian Eriksen | 33 | Unattached | Free transfer |
| Victor Lindelöf | 31 | Aston Villa | Free transfer |
| Dan Gore | 20 | Rotherham United | Loan |
| Marcus Rashford | 27 | Barcelona | Loan |
| Ethan Wheatley | 19 | Northampton Town | Loan |
| Toby Collyer | 21 | West Bromwich Albion | Loan |
| Alejandro Garnacho | 21 | Chelsea | £40 million |
| Rasmus Højlund | 22 | Napoli | Loan |
| Harry Amass | 18 | Sheffield Wednesday | Loan |
| Jadon Sancho | 25 | Aston Villa | Loan |
| Antony | 25 | Real Betis | £21.7 million |
For more detailed insights into Manchester United’s transfer strategy and ongoing developments, read the latest Man Utd news, transfer rumors, and more.
