Ashley Young sees a shift in Man United’s transfer strategy not seen since Sir Alex Ferguson

Young isn’t just speaking from the outside looking in. He was there for Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season and saw first-hand how things changed in the years that followed.

That puts him in a good position to spot any real shifts in how United are handling their business now compared to the past.

So when he notices something familiar about their current approach, it’s worth paying attention.

Young spoke to Sky Sports about how this window reminds him of the way Sir Alex used to operate. He explained:

“Most of his signings had Premier League experience to gel into the squad. He had a dossier to know [everything] about the player. He was a genius. He just knew what players would fit into the squad – hungry, hard-working, winners. That was the key.

“It’s a different approach [from current Man Utd, which is similar to that]. You’ve got to have a different approach to what’s gone on in the past and hopefully see a change in what’s been going on.”

Quality signings could be more important than volume

It’s difficult to make the case that a team finishing 15th last season has turned things around with only two additions, but there’s more to consider than just the numbers.

Ruben Amorim stepped in during the season, and that alone disrupted everything. The club’s structure above him was in constant flux as well.

Later in the season, United often controlled matches but couldn’t convert chances into goals. Those kinds of spells usually even out over time.

The squad as it stood probably wasn’t truly the 15th-best side in the league. With added Premier League experience, a full pre-season under Amorim, and some improved finishing, a move up the table isn’t out of reach.

The rebuild will carry on each transfer window, though contracts from the Glazer era are slowing progress. For now, steady improvement – however gradual – is what they need to show.