Manchester United, once known for its astute transfers, has seen its fortunes in the transfer market decline in recent years. The club that once brought talents like Rio Ferdinand, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Wayne Rooney to Old Trafford has struggled to make successful signings of late.
In the past, United transfer strategy was about building a competitive team on the pitch. They combined a keen eye for talent with a strong youth academy and occasionally added superstar signings. This approach, under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, made Manchester United the dominant force in English football.
Donny van der Beek is valued at £10million despite Manchester United paying around quadruple that just three years ago
However, since Ferguson’s retirement a decade ago, the club has failed to win any Premier League titles, leading to a significant decline. High-profile signings like Angel di Maria, Radamel Falcao, Paul Pogba, and Romelu Lukaku have not been able to restore the club to its former glory.
Recent findings from transfermarkt.com have exposed the extent of United’s transfer woes. The analysis reveals that when comparing transfer fees paid to the current value of players, Manchester United ranks at the bottom of the Premier League (-€118 million). This means that the club has suffered a significant loss in the value of its squad compared to the amount spent on transfers.
Under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson, made Manchester United the dominant force in English football.
Players like Donny van der Beek and Harry Maguire have seen substantial depreciation in their values, while Jadon Sancho, despite being a high-profile signing, is also experiencing a drop. Although players like Casemiro and Raphael Varane have performed well, their age has contributed to a decrease in value.
The contrast is stark when comparing today’s transfer policy with the past. Gone are the days when United signed players like Cristiano Ronaldo for a modest fee, enjoyed their best years, and then sold them for a world-record sum. The return of Ronaldo, albeit at a later stage in his career, has highlighted the shift in transfer policy.
The Glazer family has used financial resources ineffectively
While the Glazer family, the club’s owners, continue to spend money, these expenditures are seen as futile when they are not managed effectively. Despite protests against the Glazers, unlimited financial resources are worthless when not controlled in a manner that benefits the club.
The findings underscore the need for Manchester United to rethink its approach to transfers and focus on building a squad that can compete at the highest level once again.
