Despite some late drama at Old Trafford and beyond, Manchester United generally acted quickly and decisively in the transfer market this summer. It had all the hallmarks of an Ineos-led plan and such decision making means they have already completed their first order of business for next summer.
After striking-up deals for Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee to bolster the squad, Manuel Ugarte then arrived on deadline day. The ink on his signature might not have dried until the final hours of a hectic window, but the Uruguay international was no snap-shot decision.
He had long-since been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Casemiro – who stayed put at Old Trafford despite mooted interest from Saudi Arabia and beyond – and Ineos stuck to that blueprint until Ugarte touched down. And he ultimately took their latest spend past £180million.
In part, that outlay was offset by some high-profile departures. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek and Mason Greenwood were among those shown the door – while Academy graduate Scott McTominay then followed suit on deadline day as he completed an emotional exit to Napoli.
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