Following their away victory over Everton, Manchester United’s faith in last summer’s £225 million transfer outlay has likely been further cemented. From the fluid link-up between Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, to the solid performances of goalkeeper Senne Lammens, the club’s new signings have delivered on the pitch to vindicate the club’s recruitment strategy. Led by Director of Recruitment Christopher Vivier, the club has not only completed a squad overhaul, but also laid the foundations for a push for Champions League qualification and longer-term title ambitions.
A slick pass from Matheus Cunha (£62.5 million), via Bryan Mbeumo (£71 million), found Benjamin Šeško (£73.7 million), who fired home the winning goal – one of the few standout moments of the match. At the other end, £18.2 million goalkeeper Senne Lammens turned in another exceptional performance to keep a clean sheet.
It is worth noting that Manchester United have played just 29 matches so far this season, but the 2025 transfer window already looks to have been a resounding success. That Monday night fixture at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in February may have been the pinnacle, but it is far from the only memorable moment from the new arrivals.
Lammens has been outstanding between the sticks this season, Cunha has showcased his undoubted quality, Mbeumo has chipped in with goals and assists, and Šeško is now truly hitting his stride. All aged between 22 and 26, they should be set to shine at Old Trafford for years to come.
The arrival of the quartet has genuinely elevated the squad. Lammens’ signing has drastically upgraded the club’s goalkeeping department, Šeško looks set to be the club’s long-term number nine, while Cunha and Mbeumo are versatile, Premier League-proven forwards.
Manchester United’s decision-makers faced intense scrutiny at the start of the new year. Rúben Amorim was sacked, with the Portuguese head coach’s tenure ultimately ending in failure, as the system he implemented did not align with the squad at his disposal. While that decision rightly came under the microscope, those in charge deserve credit for the things they have got right, and their recruitment work is clearly paying dividends.
Chief Executive Officer Omar Berrada and Football Director Jason Wilcox have played their part in this process, building a strong recruitment team, investing in data and making the right calls – but it is Director of Recruitment Vivier who has arguably had the biggest impact.
The 39-year-old former Red Bull executive was the driving force behind the signing of Šeško, and has overseen a marked shift in Manchester United’s transfer strategy. Initially renowned for his eye for talent, he is now demonstrating his ability to lead the club’s entire recruitment strategy.
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of United’s recruitment is that the players they have signed not only deliver on the pitch, but also possess the character and mental fortitude to thrive and succeed under the intense pressure of Old Trafford. They have genuinely improved the squad, and under Michael Carrick, they are leading Manchester United’s charge back to the Champions League.
The challenge now is to replicate this success in transfer windows time and time again. No recruitment department can boast a 100% success rate, but United will be desperate to continue making the right calls on key decisions, just as they did last summer when they signed a new goalkeeper and overhauled their front line.
This year, the club’s focus will turn to the midfield. If Vivier and his team can once again bring in players who elevate the squad and settle in quickly, it could have a transformative effect on Manchester United’s title credentials.
Talk of a title challenge may be premature for now, even though the bar for Premier League glory is clearly shifting, with the era of needing more than 90 points to win the league seemingly in the past. That means teams slightly off the pace this season are more likely to make a leap next term, with Chelsea and Liverpool no exception.
But if United can successfully overhaul their midfield this summer and sign several players who improve the team, it will be a major step towards building a side that can consistently finish in the top four, push for a return to title contention, and go deep in the Champions League.
The immediate priority is to see out the current season strongly and secure a return to Europe’s elite competition. Improved financial results will unlock bigger, better transfer windows for the club, and if they can replicate the success of their 2025 business, next season promises to be a positive one.
