United Beyond Manchester

The first summer of INEOS is now in the books, and a lot has happened. Six players were signed, and there is now a real buzz around Old Trafford. Below, each of these signings has been assigned a grade.

Joshua Zirkzee: €42.5 million

Grade: B

There is no doubt that Joshua Zirkzee is a top-quality talent, but is he what Manchester United needs in a striker?

Erik Ten Hag needed a proven goalscorer who could finish at a world-class level. Zirkzee is simply not there yet. However, the Dutch international did find the net in an impressive debut against Fulham.

The 23-year-old connects play well and can create from the top. He has a different player profile than Rasmus Hojlund, providing Erik Ten Hag with options depending on the situation.

Joshua Zirkzee is no doubt a developing talent, but if the Reds struggle to score goals this season, there will be questions as to why the club did not push for Ivan Toney.

Leny Yoro: Up to €70 million

Grade: A-

Leny Yoro’s transfer was a flex of the muscles from the new owners. Manchester United beat Real Madrid to the best young center-back in the world, who signed a 5-year contract to stay at Old Trafford.

The 18-year-old Frenchman is gifted in every way. Former Lille boss Paulo Fonseca said this about Yoro: “It’s not normal to have an 18-year-old like Leny, with the maturity and technical qualities he has.”

Leny Yoro is fantastic on the ball, able to progress the ball on the dribble and with cutting passes. Defensively, he is quick and can recover the ball well. Yoro is also solid in aerial and ground duels, winning them without fouling the opposition.

What a signing by Manchester United. The only slight knock would be the massive contract for his age.

Matthijs De Ligt: Up to €50 million

Grade: B+

Still just 25 years old, Matthijs De Ligt will provide immediate experience to Manchester United’s back line. While not overly quick, the Dutchman is a brick wall and is aerially dominant. He is a perfect match for the smaller, quicker Lisandro Martinez.

By waiting a few years, United got De Ligt cheaper than the €75 million Juventus paid Ajax for him and a more mature version.

Noussair Mazraoui: Up to €20 million

Grade: A

With Aaron Wan-Bissaka heading to West Ham and Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia still out, United needed cover in the outside back position. The club landed on Noussair Mazraoui, who could be bundled with De Ligt from Bayern Munich.

The Moroccan was a little-risk, high-reward transfer, and after his first two matches, it seems like United is getting rewarded. Mazraoui is familiar with Ten Hag and his style and is good on both sides of the ball.

The initial €15 million looks like a steal so far.

Sekou Kone: €1.25 million

Grade: A+

Kone is a fantastic talent who burst onto every top club’s radar at the U17 World Cup. Manchester United held off interest from other top clubs to bring Kone in from Guidars FC.

The Mali youth defensive midfielder will start with United’s U21 side, but if he adjusts well to life in England, he could make his debut this season.

Kone is the kind of player that Manchester United must continue to find and sign for the academy. For too many years, the club has missed early and paid a premium fee once the top talent develops. The signing of Kone shows the intent of the United staff to find and develop these players themselves.

Manuel Ugarte: Up to €60 million

Grade B+

It took until deadline day, but Manchester United finally got much-needed help for Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield.

Manuel Ugarte possesses the pace and tenacity Erik Ten Hag needs out of his defensive midfielder. The Uruguayan looks like the perfect final piece to push United towards the Champions League spots for next season.

At just twenty-three, Ugarte has many years ahead of him at Old Trafford.

Overall transfer window signings rating: A-