With the ‘football-first’ approach back in focus, United’s financial recovery paves the way for a record-breaking summer pursuit of Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba.
The “mood music” at Old Trafford is no longer just about Michael Carrick’s unbeaten tactical simplicity. Manchester United have officially signaled a return to financial power following the release of their second-quarter results for fiscal 2026.
The club has posted an operating profit of £32.6 million for the first six months of the year a staggering turnaround from the £3.9m loss recorded during the same period in 2025. This recovery, fueled by controversial but effective cost-cutting measures, has now cleared the path for CEO Omar Berrada to sanction a massive summer spend.
Berrada’s “Football-First” Promise
In a statement that has excited the United faithful, Berrada confirmed that the balance sheet will now serve the pitch.
“We continue to take a football-first approach and invest in both our men’s and women’s first teams,” Berrada stated, hinting that the days of “impossible” price tags may be over.
The £100m Midfield Shortlist
With a return to the Champions League potentially worth an additional £100m next season, United are positioning themselves to beat Manchester City and other rivals to the Premier League’s most coveted midfielders.
Primary Targets for Summer 2026:
- Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace): The elite playmaker remains a top priority to partner Kobbie Mainoo.
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton): The powerhouse midfielder previously deemed “too expensive” is back on the radar.
- Elliot Anderson (Nottm Forest): The subject of a brewing transfer battle with Manchester City.
From ‘Clunky’ to ‘Credible’
While recent performances against West Ham and Everton were described as “clunky,” the overall momentum under Carrick has placed United in a dominant position to secure Top 4 football.
The financial stability provided by the INEOS regime means that United no longer need to sell before they buy. Instead, they can enter the summer window as a “credible force,” ready to pay the premium fees required to land game-changing talent.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
