Manchester United's chief executive Omar Berrada has made it unequivocally clear: Old Trafford will not be bullied into overpaying this summer, and the club's transfer strategy stays firmly in-house rather than in the hands of agents or inflated market valuations.

Speaking on United's Inside Carrington podcast, Berrada outlined a philosophy shaped directly by the cautionary tale of previous regimes that threw huge fees and wages at the likes of Casemiro, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek — expenditure that left the club managing its consequences for seasons afterwards.

"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. "It's very important you don't let the market or the agents dictate what we should be doing."

Last summer's blueprint

The template Berrada is referencing produced tangible results. Twelve months ago, United moved early and decisively — securing Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford before the window had properly heated up, then completing the signings of striker Benjamin Sesko and goalkeeper Senne Lammens before deadline day. All four players contributed as United climbed to third in the Premier League and returned to Champions League football for the first time in three seasons.

"The template for what we did last summer will be replicated," Berrada confirmed. "What we saw last season is a good way forward for us. We want a mix of experience and youth — players who have demonstrated they can perform in the Premier League and players doing very well outside it."

Ederson deal close, further midfield business eyed

United are already on the move. The club have agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, 26, who is set to undergo his medical ahead of pre-season. It is a signing that fits the Berrada model neatly — a proven performer at European level acquired at a considered price.

Beyond Ederson, United are in the market for at least one, and possibly two more, central midfielders. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes is on their radar, though the Hammers' reported £80m valuation will test United's resolve. The club also want attacking cover for Sesko and are looking at a left-sided option — potentially a full-back who can genuinely challenge Luke Shaw given head coach Michael Carrick views Patrick Dorgu primarily as an attacking player.

What they will not do, club sources stress, is repeat past mistakes. United's reported interest in Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson stalled on precisely this point — the £120m price tag was judged excessive, and United walked away.

Long-term thinking

Director of football Jason Wilcox, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves will all play central roles alongside Berrada in executing the window. The emphasis, Berrada insists, is on decisions that serve the club beyond the next transfer cycle.

"Whatever decisions we take will not just be for the short term but the long term," he said. "In some cases we may decide to make an investment knowing it is the right thing, not for the next two or three years but the next ten."

The noises out of Carrington, then, are of a club that believes it has finally found a workable transfer identity. Whether the market obliges with that level of patience is another question entirely — but Berrada, at least, sounds in no mood to blink first.

Frequently asked

Who has Man Utd signed so far this summer 2026?
United have agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is due to have his medical before pre-season begins. No further signings have been confirmed at this stage.
Why did Man Utd pull out of signing Elliot Anderson?
According to club sources, United backed away from a move for the Nottingham Forest and England midfielder because the reported asking price of £120m was considered too high under their policy of refusing to overpay in the transfer market.
What positions are Man Utd looking to strengthen this summer?
United are targeting at least one or two more central midfielders — with West Ham's Mateus Fernandes of interest — as well as a striker to provide cover for Benjamin Sesko and a left-sided player who can compete at full-back.