Manchester United’s effective summer acquisitions offer optimism for the upcoming season.
LIVERPOOL, England — Manchester United’s pivotal goal against Everton originated from a sweeping pass by Matheus Cunha. The ball found Bryan Mbeumo, who advanced towards Michael Keane before delivering a square pass across the goal.
In that moment, Benjamin Sesko sprinted ahead of James Tarkowski to slot his shot past Jordan Pickford. In the context of the match, it was a goal that seemed to come from nowhere. For the United executives observing, it was a result of their transfer strategy from the previous summer.
This goal was sufficient to secure a slim 1-0 victory on Monday, elevating Michael Carrick’s squad to fourth place in the Premier League standings, ahead of Chelsea and Liverpool in the competition for a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
– Why Man United fan’s viral haircut challenge might not end anytime soon
– Arsenal back on track with big derby win; Real Madrid’s shock loss; more
– Arsenal’s derby win a major step in title race with Manchester City
In the immediate term, this season has evolved into an 11-match contest to return to Europe’s elite after a two-year absence. However, this approach is not sustainable for a club of this stature. The fact that United can highlight a successful summer, which included Cunha, Mbeumo, and Sesko, indicates that the recruitment challenges that have plagued them may finally be resolved.
“Certainly, the players who have joined us recently are all making significant contributions, which is ideal,” Carrick stated. “A crucial aspect is the character and personality they bring, which is essential, especially in this environment.
“Winning games requires various elements. At times, it may come more easily, and the goals will come naturally.
“Other times, like this evening, credit goes to Everton; it was a somewhat tight contest in certain respects.
“It wasn’t as fluid for us, but I believe the spirit, confidence, and trust that the players are developing among themselves and with each other is vital.”
The primary objective for United this summer is to appoint a new manager. However, whoever takes on the role—whether it be Carrick permanently or another candidate—will find the position significantly easier if the appropriate players are brought in alongside them.
No matter what transpires between now and May, this season will still fall short of United’s typical standards, which were established long ago during the trophy-laden eras of Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson.
Yet, when the season concludes, one of the few positives will be the impact of summer acquisitions—Cunha, Mbeumo, Sesko, and goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
The young Belgian, who was signed from Royal Antwerp for under £20m, also made his mark against Everton. He managed the chaos from James Garner’s corners—especially during a frantic final 15 minutes—and executed a remarkable save from Keane late in the match. He also made another impressive low stop from Tyrique George in the third minute of stoppage time to secure a vital three points.
“The goalkeeper was outstanding for them tonight,” David Moyes remarked afterward.
United’s recent transfer history is marred by costly errors such as those involving Alexis Sánchez, Jadon Sancho, and Antony. It has certainly been a considerable time since they successfully executed four signings in a single summer. The fact that this money is beginning to be spent wisely is promising for the future, particularly with a significant decision looming regarding who should succeed Casemiro.
The Brazilian—crucial to the revival under Carrick—is set to depart at the end of the season. It will again be up to CEO Omar Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell to make prudent choices and find a central midfielder capable of stepping into his role.
“I think it’s challenging for me to discuss the past when I haven’t been here,” Carrick commented. “I mentioned it when I first arrived; sometimes, we expect players to perform, and there is often much more involved.
“Feeling comfortable in your environment to perform is essential, and sometimes it requires a period of adjustment.”
Carrick, for his part, appears very at ease. With five victories and a draw from six matches in charge, the 44-year-old has positioned himself in the conversation for the next permanent manager. United are the only Premier League team yet to suffer a defeat in 2026, and no other club has accumulated more than their 18 points since the beginning of the year.
However, if he wishes to understand just how challenging it can be at United, he need only glance down the touchline at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Moyes has demonstrated his capabilities as a manager with successful tenures at Everton and West Ham United, but the Scot lasted merely 10 months in the intense environment of Old Trafford before being dismissed. Moyes faced his own recruitment challenges during his time at United.
After witnessing Sesko, Cunha, Mbeumo, and Lammens make the difference against Everton, he is well-positioned to remind Berrada, Wilcox, and Vivell that, regardless of who occupies the managerial position, the role becomes significantly more manageable when the right players are present.
