Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada has insisted the club will not overpay in the transfer market as they plan their summer recruitment drive.
The warning comes as United continue to deal with the financial fallout from expensive signings such as Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Donny van de Beek in previous windows.
United believe their data-driven approach to transfers last summer was close to perfect, moving swiftly to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford early in the window.
The club then added striker Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens before the window closed, completing what Berrada views as a model recruitment campaign.
All four arrivals made positive contributions as United finished third in the Premier League and returned to the Champions League for the first time in three years.
“The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” said Berrada on United’s Inside Carrington podcast.
“We have a clear plan. Jason Wilcox and his team are well set up to execute that plan,” he added, stressing the importance of preparation and flexibility throughout any window.
“We want a mix of experience and youth, a mix of players who have demonstrated they can perform in the Premier League and players that are doing very well outside the Premier League.”
United have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, with the 26-year-old expected to arrive early next month ahead of pre-season training.
The club are also targeting at least one or two additional central midfielders, and hold a strong interest in West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who is valued at around £80m.
A striker to provide cover for Sesko is also on the wishlist, along with a left-sided player who could compete with Luke Shaw, given head coach Michael Carrick views Patrick Dorgu as more of an attacking option.
Director of football Jason Wilcox, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, and director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves will all play key roles alongside Berrada in finalising the club’s business.
One clear line in the sand has already been drawn, with sources indicating United walked away from a potential £120m move for Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson on cost grounds.
“We have to be really disciplined. We have a plan, we know what we can invest and we need to stick to it,” Berrada said firmly.
“It’s very important you don’t let the market or the agents dictate what we should be doing,” he added, reinforcing the message that United will drive their own agenda this summer.
