February 2024 brought in a new ownership group to Manchester United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS. INEOS has a significant financial backing of the club, which has been useful as the club has struggled financially in recent years. INEOS's stake in the club has also given them the ability to choose managers, sporting directors, and team strategy.
INEOS have taken the approach of signing more youth players, with hopes to develop a strong, young team. The ownership group has had mixed results so far, with a triumph like winning the FA Cup in 2024 over Manchester City but failing miserably to challenge for the title in 2025. Some fans have expressed concerns over whether Ratcliffe's investment is really going to change the tide for the club. Since taking over, INEOS has helped to sign players, and below are the most notable signings.
7 best Man United transfers under INEOS
Leny Yoro
Yoro has probably been one of the better INEOS signings for Manchester United. He has been the most expensive purchase but has proved his worth. The young defender started his spell on the injured list after breaking his foot during preseason, but since becoming fit again, Yoro has quickly made an impression.
Yoro has been excellent in one-on-one battles, letting few players dribble past him. He is a great presence in the box, both defensively and offensively. On Thursday in the Europa League, Yoro scored his first goal from a header. Yoro has been patient on the ball and often finds the perfect pass. Being such a young player, Yoro still has much to learn but he could become a great United player.
Joshua Zirkzee
Zirkzee has struggled in his first season at United, but there have been glimpses of what he can do. The forward was signed over the summer from Bologna and was considered a top prospect. Zirkzee has shown that he fits in a more traditional number ten role, rather than an out-and-out striker.
The Dutchman is just 23 and has plenty of time ahead of him in his career. But United are in desperate need of a player that can score goals consistently. It's expected that United will try to bring in two strikers during the summer window. Zirkzee will likely stay with the club and try to fit in the ten spot. He can be a crucial player when paired with clinical strikers, such as summer targets Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap.
Matthijs de Ligt
INEOS brought Matthijs de Ligt in to bolster a defense in shambles. While the defense still needs improving, de Ligt has brought experience that other players don't have. He is currently injured, which hasn't helped United's defensive struggles. When fit, de Ligt typically starts and has been useful in the back.
Like Yoro, de Ligt poses a threat on set pieces thanks to his height. He has scored two Premier League goals this season for Manchester United, which is useful for a side that struggles to find the back of the net. De Ligt is calm on the ball and is able to make cross field passes with good accuracy. He can also dribble the ball, making use of his height to stride forward.
Manuel Ugarte
The Uruguayan midfielder has faced some challenges this season. After signing from PSG, Ugarte was expected to be a promising midfielder, who could become a top signing for the club. While he has shown signs of becoming this player, Ugarte still has work to do.
During his spell at the club, Ugarte has been good at tracking back and putting tackles in to win the ball back. He is a good defensive midfielder but needs a good partner in this position. Both Casemiro and Christian Erikson have played alongside him, but Ugarte needs someone younger and more capable than the two. INEOS are likely to sign another defensive midfielder in the summer, as both Erikson and Casemiro are likely departing the club.
Patrick Dorgu
Dorgu had a rough start to life at Manchester United. However, as he plays for the team more and more, he is starting to look more comfortable. Dorgu has tremendous speed, which makes him useful in breaking away from challanges or for fast breaks down the sideline.
He still needs to improve multiple areas of his game, but he is a young player so it is to be expected. Some of his tackles have been rash and ill-timed, one of which resulted in a sending off. However, Dorgu is a good defender and can also present an attacking threat through his speed and crossing. His shots have been wild, but he'll work to build confidence in shooting.
Noussair Mazraoui
Mazraoui arrived at United alongside de Ligt from Bayern Munich. The fullback has been versatile for United, playing both left and right back. He has also spent some time at center back, as United's defense has struggled with injuries. Mazraoui had a good spell when Ruud van Nistelrooy was still interim manager, as his former team showed great poise defensively.
Mazraoui has been generally good for the Red Devils, aside from a few mistakes here and there. A crucial mistake came in the 4-1 loss to Newcastle and Mazraoui has felt the heat from United fans for it. Mazraoui is older than most of INEOS' signings at age 27. He has still shown that he is up for the challenge of the Premier League. Overall, he has been a good player but could improve aspects of his game.
Ayden Heaven
The last of the notable signings came in the form of 18-year-old Ayden Heaven from Arsenal's academy. Heaven opted to sign for United, rather than agreeing to a professional contract in London for the Gunners.
Heaven is a center back, who, before coming to Manchester United, only had experience at the youth level. Heaven has quickly come into the Manchester United first team and shown why he was so eagerly wanted by INEOS. He has performed well in his senior appearances. Heaven did suffer an injury against Leceister City but has regained fitness and appeared on the bench at Newcastle.
The young defender looks promising and will certainly be doing everything he can to remain in the first team. Amorim trusts the young center back and he has won over the fans quickly, which other signings have failed to do.