Manchester United’s summer transfer window was both active and eventful, with five significant signings aimed at strengthening various areas of the squad. However, despite their efforts, the club failed to secure all of their targets, missing out on a key attacking player in the final stages of the window. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, United made a serious attempt to bring in Dutch international Xavi Simons, but ultimately fell short as the player chose a different path.
The summer transfer window was a pivotal period for United as manager Erik ten Hag sought to build on the team’s FA Cup success from last season and steer the club back into the Champions League. The additions were strategic, targeting critical positions that required reinforcement. Ten Hag clearly had a vision of enhancing the squad depth, particularly in defense and midfield, to ensure United could compete on multiple fronts.
Among the standout signings was the acquisition of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna for a reported fee of £36.5 million. The young Dutch forward, known for his clinical finishing and versatility, was brought in to add firepower to United’s attack. The club also secured French defender Leny Yoro from Lille in a deal worth £52 million, fending off interest from Real Madrid. Yoro, a rising star in European football, is expected to become a mainstay in United’s defense, bringing youthful energy and technical proficiency to Ten Hag’s setup.
In addition, United completed a high-profile double deal with Bayern Munich, bringing in defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui for a combined fee of around £50 million. The two players come with strong pedigrees—De Ligt having established himself as one of Europe’s top center-backs and Mazraoui offering tactical flexibility with his ability to play as both a right-back and a midfielder. Their arrival is set to bolster United’s defensive options, particularly as Ten Hag looks to build a solid backline capable of competing in the Premier League and Europe.
The final signing of the window came on deadline day, with United securing Uruguayan midfielder Manuel Ugarte from PSG for an initial £42 million. Ugarte’s tenacity in the midfield is expected to complement the existing players, adding a new dynamic to United’s central play. His ability to break up opposition attacks and transition the ball forward quickly will be crucial to United’s style of play under Ten Hag.
Despite these notable additions, United’s transfer window had a cloud of disappointment hanging over it due to their failure to land Xavi Simons, a player Ten Hag had reportedly identified as a priority target. Simons, who impressed during Euro 2024 and scored a memorable goal against England, was seen as the ideal attacking reinforcement. Having spent time at PSV Eindhoven on loan and returning to RB Leipzig, Simons’ trajectory has been closely monitored by several top European clubs, including United.
Romano revealed that United made inquiries about Simons’ availability even before Euro 2024, but the player chose to return to RB Leipzig for another season. It appears that Simons has plans to stay in Germany for the time being, though there is speculation that a move to England could materialize in the summer of 2025. While United missed out on him this year, the door remains open for future negotiations, with Simons potentially becoming a key figure at Old Trafford in the years to come.
On the pitch, United’s season has had a mixed start. After four matches in the Premier League, the team finds itself in 10th place. However, recent results have shown promise. A commanding 3-0 away win against Southampton in the league provided a much-needed boost of confidence, followed by a dominant 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the League Cup, which marked United’s largest win under Ten Hag. The performance against Barnsley, though against lower-league opposition, showcased United’s attacking potential, leaving their League One opponents frustrated.
United’s next challenge comes in the form of an away fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. A win would see Ten Hag’s side secure back-to-back Premier League victories, a crucial step as they look to climb the table and reassert themselves among the league’s top contenders. With the new signings starting to integrate into the squad, fans will be eager to see how quickly these additions can adapt and make their mark in the Premier League.
Though the summer window is now closed, the transfer saga surrounding Xavi Simons is far from over. As United continues its pursuit of attacking reinforcements, Simons could still be a focal point of future discussions. For now, Ten Hag will focus on utilizing his current squad to the best of its abilities, hoping that the new arrivals will contribute to a successful campaign. Meanwhile, supporters remain optimistic that, despite the disappointment of missing out on Simons, the club’s summer business has positioned them for a strong season ahead.