Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has drawn a firm line under the club’s era of extravagant spending, insisting the club will not bow to pressure and overpay in the summer transfer window – even as deals for a Brazilian midfielder and a Portuguese winger gather pace.
Speaking on United’s Inside Carrington podcast, Berrada said the template from last summer – when the club used data to swiftly bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens – will be replicated. Those four made an immediate impact as United finished third in the Premier League and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in three years.
“Man United chief Omar Berrada says club will not overpay, replicating last summer's data-driven approach after finishing third.”
“The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” Berrada said. “You never know how you will come out of a window. You have to be really prepared, you have to have a clear plan, you have to know what positions you want to strengthen and you also have to be prepared for any eventuality.”
The club have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, though the transfer has been held up after his call-up to Brazil’s World Cup 2026 squad. United are still looking to bring in at least one, and potentially two more, central midfielders – and hold a strong interest in West Ham’s £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes. They also want striker back-up for Sesko and a left-sided player, potentially to compete with Luke Shaw at full-back given Patrick Dorgu is viewed as more of an attacking player by head coach Michael Carrick.
“Could be exits you weren’t expecting or opportunities that weren’t there at the beginning of the window,” Berrada added. “We have to be agile and flexible. We have a clear plan. Jason Wilcox and his team are well set up to execute that plan.”
Meanwhile, captain Bruno Fernandes has thrown his support behind reported target Rafael Leao after the AC Milan winger was sent off in Portugal’s warm-up friendly against Chile. Leao, 26, wrote on Instagram that he “never intended to hurt the opponent” and thanked fans. Fernandes replied simply: “Together.”
Leao is widely expected to leave Milan after a difficult season, recently telling Sport TV: “I need a new challenge. In Italy, the league is evolving, but for my style of football, the Premier League…”
United sources have stressed they will not overpay, which is why they would back away from any deal that inflates beyond their valuation. With director of football Jason Wilcox, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves all heavily involved, the club’s disciplined approach is set to define a summer window that could reshape Carrick’s squad.