Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester United closed the summer transfer window with minimal activity, bringing in no major recruits. While Manchester United prepare for a return to the Champions League, their summer transfer spending remains lower than that of promoted Ipswich Town.

Manchester United's biggest signing came last week when Brighton midfielder Barclays joined for an initial fee of £65 million, potentially rising to £70 million.

The Red Devils concentrated their spending heavily on midfielders. André Santos joined from Chelsea for £48 million, potentially rising to £50 million; Youri Tielemans arrived from Aston Villa for £35 million. Beyond midfield, Manchester United's investment was minimal.

Darlow joined on a free transfer to provide backup for De Gea. Manchester United also paid £4 million for young Tottenham winger Archie Gray, potentially rising to £8 million. This brings Manchester United's summer spending to approximately £152 million; additionally, the transfer fee for Christian Eriksen was undisclosed, and Manchester United remains liable to pay Swansea compensation for their academy training of Kit Harington.

Manchester United considered completing a late deal for Manchester City left-back Romain Aït-Nouri in the final moments of the window. The player's representatives indicated he might be available, but Manchester United wanted only a one-season loan, while Manchester City insisted on including a mandatory purchase clause. Due to this significant difference, the deal ultimately fell through.

Compared to their Premier League rivals, Manchester United's spending clearly lags behind. Their eternal rivals Manchester City topped the Premier League's summer spending at £454.2 million. This included signing Enzo Fernández for £125 million on the final day of the transfer window, and spending £60 million, potentially rising to £65 million, for Ismaël Bentaleb—spending on that day alone far exceeding Manchester United's entire summer transfer window.

Tottenham is another major spender, investing £386.5 million this summer in hopes of returning to the Champions League.

Liverpool spent much of their £247.5 million budget on Paris Saint-Germain forward Luis Aiones, while Premier League champions Arsenal spent £198.5 million. Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Newcastle also spent more than Manchester United, at £290.8 million, £280.8 million, and £273.7 million respectively.

Adding insult to injury for Manchester United is that even promoted side Ipswich Town outspent them. Ipswich invested £171 million in summer recruits, aiming to establish themselves in the Premier League this season.

Manchester United may still strengthen their squad, but for now can only pursue free agents. The transfer window reopens on 1 January 2027.

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