After a perfect ‘character-driven’ 2025 window, United’s Director of Recruitment is now the most important man at Old Trafford for the summer of 2026.
Monday night at the Hill Dickinson Stadium was more than just a gritty 1-0 win over Everton it was a £225 million statement of intent. As Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko combined for the winning goal, and Senne Lammens produced a masterclass in goal, the spotlight shifted from the pitch to the director’s box: specifically to Christopher Vivell.
The 39-year-old Director of Recruitment, formerly of the Red Bull stable, is increasingly seen as the architect of Manchester United’s new era. After the failed Ruben Amorim experiment, Vivell’s strategy of signing “Premier League-proven character” alongside elite talent is paying massive dividends under Michael Carrick.
The 2025 Success Story: A Data-Driven Revolution
United’s recruitment has long been criticized, but the 2025 window is shaping up to be one of the best in the club’s modern history. Vivell, supported by Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, has shifted the focus toward players aged 22–26 who possess the personality to thrive under the Old Trafford pressure.
The ‘Vivell Four’ Impact:
| Player | Fee | Role | Impact | | :— | :— | :— | :— | | Benjamin Sesko | £73.7m | No. 9 | Found his feet; the long-term goal solution. | | Bryan Mbeumo | £71m | Winger | Elite versatility; consistent goals and assists. | | Matheus Cunha | £62.5m | Forward | Added flair and creative spark in transition. | | Senne Lammens | £18.2m | GK | Exceptional shot-stopping; a bargain upgrade. |
Next Mission: The Great Midfield Overhaul
With the attack and goalkeeping departments stabilized, Vivell’s most important task lies ahead: The Midfield. With Casemiro departing and the need for a long-term partner for Kobbie Mainoo, the summer of 2026 will be transformative.
The goal is clear: repeat the success of 2025. If Vivell can identify a powerhouse No. 6 and a creative No. 8 who fit the “United Character” profile, the leap from Top 4 contenders to Title challengers becomes realistic.
Changing the Title Race Parameters
The days of needing 95+ points to win the Premier League seem to be fading. This shift allows clubs like United, Liverpool, and Chelsea to dream of a title charge if they can string together three or four successful windows.
Securing Champions League football this season is the first hurdle; it will provide the financial muscle Vivell needs to complete his masterplan. If Monday night’s win at Everton was the “high-water mark” of his recruitment so far, the upcoming summer window could be the one that finally brings the glory days back to Manchester.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
