Man United ‘late to the party’ after recruitment news – boardroom source
Man United have struggled to challenge for a Premier League title in recent years despite massive investment in the senior squad.
They have also been unable to turn things around since the minority investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who took control of footballing matters at Old Trafford in late 2023.
Under Ruben Amorim this season, the Red Devils sit 15th in the Premier League table after losing 1-0 away at Tottenham on Sunday (16 February).
United invested heavily in new faces last year (2024) but had to spent more modestly in January amid financial concerns.
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – has had his say on a new recruitment twist at Old Trafford.
Man United set to move to ‘data-based’ scouting approach
The Guardian reported on Saturday (15 February) that Man United’s department of about 80 scouts is facing considerable cuts as part of Ratcliffe’s next round of up to 200 redundancies.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Wyness suggested United are “late to the party” if they are ready to move to a more data-based approach.
The ex-Everton CEO claimed “throwing money at it isn’t going to work” with rivals Brighton and Brentford already “leading the way” in England.
He told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “This points to United going more data-based.
“I’ve been around this argument for the last 10 years, since data properly first came into football.
“It’s been refined, the algorithms are incredible.
“But the data can’t take into account the intangibles, and the feeling within the club, and how to instil that.
| Player | Fee (€) |
| Leny Yoro | 62 |
| Manuel Ugarte | 50 |
| Matthijs de Ligt | 45 |
| Joshua Zirkzee | 42.5 |
| Patrick Dorgu | 30 |
| Noussair Mazraoui | 15 |
| Ayden Heaven | 1.8 |
“That is the thing Man United are searching for and scouting for – and the data can’t find that.
“Until they invent a computer that can wear a flat cap and head to games, nothing can ever be completely right.
“I think a blend would be best. Man United may now be going too far in the way of data.
“If they are, they’re late to the party. Brighton and Brentford have led the way and they are reaping the benefits.
“You’re late if you’re coming in now, and throwing money at it isn’t going to work.”
Man United to chase Delap deal this summer
Football Insider has been told by ex-United chief scout Mick Brown that Amorim’s side have a “clear plan” to sign the best young talent from across the world.
As part of that vision, Man United and Chelsea are both keen on Ipswich Town star Liam Delap.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye of top Premier League sides with his performances for the Tractor Boys this term.
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