Manchester United’s summer transfer window was marked by high levels of activity and expectation, as the club sought to strengthen its squad with five crucial signings. The club’s management, led by Erik ten Hag, embarked on a mission to address key areas within the team, hoping to build on last season’s FA Cup success. However, despite the flurry of transfers, Manchester United could not meet all their objectives, with a particular failure to secure a significant attacking player. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has shed light on the club’s pursuit of Dutch international Xavi Simons, a target they ultimately missed out on in the final stages of the window.
For Ten Hag, this transfer window was about more than just filling gaps—it was about reinforcing positions that would allow Manchester United to compete at the highest level once again. With aspirations of a return to the Champions League, the club’s transfer strategy was clearly designed to add depth and quality, particularly in the defensive and midfield areas. Ten Hag’s vision was one of versatility, tactical flexibility, and youth, ensuring the team could compete across multiple competitions while maintaining a high standard of play.
One of the most prominent signings of the summer was that of Joshua Zirkzee, who was acquired from Bologna for a reported £36.5 million. Zirkzee, a highly promising Dutch forward, brings a combination of versatility and finishing ability to United’s attack. Known for his knack for scoring goals and creating chances, he will undoubtedly add depth to an attack that was sometimes lacking in cutting edge last season. His arrival was a statement of intent from Ten Hag, as the manager looks to assemble a forward line capable of taking on the best in the Premier League and beyond.
United’s defensive reinforcements were equally significant, with the club managing to secure Leny Yoro from Lille for £52 million. Yoro, a talented French defender who had caught the eye of top European clubs, including Real Madrid, represents a long-term investment for United. At just 18 years old, Yoro is seen as one of Europe’s brightest young defensive talents. His ability to read the game, coupled with his composure on the ball, makes him a perfect fit for Ten Hag’s possession-based style. He is expected to play a key role in reshaping United’s backline for years to come.
In addition to Yoro, United also completed a high-profile double signing from Bayern Munich, bringing in defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined fee of around £50 million. De Ligt, a Dutch international with experience at the highest levels, is widely regarded as one of Europe’s elite center-backs. His leadership and defensive acumen are expected to bring stability to United’s defense, which has been prone to lapses in recent seasons. Mazraoui, on the other hand, is a versatile right-back who can also operate in midfield, offering Ten Hag the flexibility he values so much in his tactical setup.
The final addition to Manchester United’s squad came on deadline day, with the signing of Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £42 million. Ugarte’s energy and ball-winning ability in midfield make him an ideal fit for the Premier League. His aggressive style of play, combined with his ability to transition the ball quickly from defense to attack, should complement United’s existing midfield options. His arrival adds yet another layer of depth to a squad that will be competing in both domestic and European competitions this season.
Despite these successes, there was a lingering sense of disappointment surrounding the club’s inability to secure Xavi Simons. The Dutch attacking midfielder had been identified as a key target by Ten Hag, who saw him as the perfect player to inject creativity and flair into the final third. Simons, who made a strong impression during Euro 2024 and scored a memorable goal against England, seemed poised for a big move. Having spent time on loan at PSV Eindhoven and RB Leipzig, his stock had risen significantly, and several clubs were vying for his signature.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United made inquiries about Simons’ availability well before the start of Euro 2024, hoping to secure his services before his value skyrocketed. However, despite their best efforts, the player opted to return to RB Leipzig for another season, preferring the familiarity of the Bundesliga over a move to England. While this was a setback for United, there is optimism that the club could revisit the possibility of signing Simons in the future, with a potential move to the Premier League being considered for the summer of 2025.
On the pitch, Manchester United’s start to the new season has been somewhat inconsistent. After four matches, the club finds itself in 10th place in the Premier League. However, there have been flashes of promise, including a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Southampton. This win provided a much-needed boost of confidence for a team that had been struggling to find consistency. More recently, United delivered their most dominant performance under Erik ten Hag, dismantling League One side Barnsley 7-0 in the League Cup. While the level of opposition was not the highest, the performance showcased United’s attacking potential, with new signings starting to integrate into the team.
As Manchester United prepares for their next Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the focus will be on building momentum. A victory in this match would secure back-to-back league wins, something the club desperately needs if it is to climb up the table and challenge for a top-four finish. The match against Crystal Palace will be a test of both the new signings’ ability to adapt and the squad’s overall cohesion as they aim to establish themselves as serious contenders in the league.
While the disappointment of missing out on Xavi Simons lingers, Manchester United’s summer transfer business has laid a solid foundation for the season ahead. The acquisitions of Zirkzee, Yoro, De Ligt, Mazraoui, and Ugarte have added quality and depth to the squad, positioning the team well for the challenges that lie ahead. Fans remain hopeful that these signings will make a significant impact as the season progresses, and that United’s ambitions of returning to the Champions League will be realized.
Looking ahead, the story of Xavi Simons is far from over. As Manchester United continues to explore options to bolster their attacking ranks, Simons remains a player of great interest. While the Dutch international has chosen to stay in Germany for now, a move to Old Trafford could still be on the horizon in the coming years. For now, however, Erik ten Hag will be focused on getting the best out of his current squad, ensuring that Manchester United remains competitive on all fronts as they pursue both domestic and European success.