“Utterly stupid” – The Athletic journalist thrashes Man Utd’s ‘never seen before’ transfer strategy | OneFootball

Although we’re only one month into the new campaign, many have already made up their mind about Manchester United and their controversial transfer policy.

Patience was already running low at Old Trafford following Sunday’s defeat to 10-man Manchester City, which left Michael Carrick’s men with only four points from as many Premier League fixtures.

The club’s faithful were seeking a reaction on Wednesday evening when the Reds hosted Brighton in their Carabao Cup. However, an early elimination only added fuel to the fire.

Man United slammed for their block-building transfer strategy

(Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Man Utd started the match on a surprisingly positive note, scoring two early goals through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount.

However, the team crumbled afterwards, allowing the Seagulls to complete a shocking comeback with a series of horrific blunders at the back.

The game ended with a loud wave of jeers and boos from the disgruntled Old Trafford home supporters, who have already seen enough just six games into the season.

(Man Utd’s record this season)

While Carrick and the players have been inevitably lambasted for their shambolic performance, the club’s top officials are also coming under great scrutiny, whether it’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe or Football Director Jason Wilcox.

The Athletic reporter Adam Crafton slammed Man United’s management for the block-building strategy they launched in 2025.

“I have never seen a team be constructed block by block from the front to the back in the way Man Utd have attempted to do and it appears utterly stupid and predictably so,” he posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

United had revamped their attack in 2025 by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. This year, they solely addressed their midfield by recruiting Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans, and Carlos Baleba.

While some fans were hoping for a few defensive additions, it was reported that the backline’s overhaul will have to wait until the summer of 2027.

Has Man Utd’s strategy returned to haunt them?

(Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

With the team enduring a woeful start to the season, it is easy to criticise INEOS for their modus operandi.

However, Wilcox and co. were somewhat forced into adopting this curious ‘block by block’ strategy.

In 2025, the attack certainly needed a redo, as the likes of Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho were still on the club’s books.

This year, Kobbie Mainoo was the only available midfielder left in the squad, so United needed three new additions to the department.

That being said, INEOS should have addressed some of their other squad issues, especially the ones at the back, rather than delaying it for another year.

It remains to be seen if something could be done in January, but whether the campaign would still be salvageable at that point remains to be seen.

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