BREAKING NEWS:This player is simply not good enough and doesn’t deserve to wear our jersey. Rio Ferdinand has named the one player that should be sold for the club to reclaim its glory days.

Matthijs de Ligt’s transfer to Manchester United is a prime example of Ineos’ shrewd strategy. Despite some concerns about De Ligt having his third club in five years, his injury history, or his wage demands, United is securing a top-tier center-back for €45 million plus €5 million in add-ons.

This fee still makes him one of United’s most expensive defenders, but the nuances of the deal reveal Ineos’ financial savvy, as highlighted by finance expert Adam Williams.

At first glance, this transfer might seem routine, especially considering that United’s acquisition of Noussair Mazraoui was dependent on selling Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

This situation underscores the precarious financial state United is currently navigating, a legacy of the Glazers’ poor financial management. While Ineos can’t undo past mistakes, they’re effectively managing the current situation with clever transfer negotiations.

Williams points out that spreading De Ligt’s fee over three years, rather than paying it all upfront as in the case of Harry Maguire, provides United with some much-needed financial flexibility. He explains that paying in installments offers United breathing room, which is crucial given their history of poor cost control under full Glazer ownership.

This strategy allows United to maintain some financial maneuverability while Sir Jim Ratcliffe attempts to stabilize the club’s finances.

In the coming years, the plan seems to be shifting towards a more incentivized model for contracts and boosting revenue through new commercial initiatives. De Ligt’s installments might become easier to manage if these efforts are successful.

Williams also notes that while the fee structure doesn’t significantly impact Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), United’s financial situation has already improved. Thanks to allowable losses during Covid and the costs related to Ratcliffe’s partial takeover, United avoided major PSR issues in 2023-24.

Looking ahead, it’s clear that Ineos, under Ratcliffe’s leadership, is positioning Manchester United for a better financial future. By spreading out transfer payments and focusing on younger players, Ineos is setting the stage for a more sustainable long-term vision.

As the club moves past the Glazers’ poor decisions, including expiring contracts and financial mismanagement, this rebuild appears promising.

The deal for De Ligt is a key indicator of this forward-thinking approach, with the club’s financial and on-field future looking brighter as these changes take effect.