Man Utd transfer policy attacked after missing out on Gakpo

Man Utd transfer policy came under renewed fire this week after former first-team coach Benni McCarthy revealed that Old Trafford scouts “didn’t rate” Cody Gakpo even though Erik ten Hag had placed the Dutch forward at the top of his recruitment list. The public dressing-down adds another layer to a growing debate about whether the club’s decision-making framework is fit for purpose in a hyper-competitive Premier League market.

Man Utd transfer policy vs. Ten Hag’s vision

When Ten Hag arrived in 2022, he identified Gakpo as a versatile attacker capable of filling the left-wing and central-striker roles. According to McCarthy, the manager believed the PSV Eindhoven star offered the blend of mobility, creativity and productivity that United lacked after Cristiano Ronaldo’s acrimonious departure. Yet the club’s in-house analytics and live scouts reportedly dismissed Gakpo as “not good enough for our level,” choosing instead to allocate limited funds elsewhere.

How Liverpool pounced

The breakdown in United’s pursuit opened the door for Liverpool, whose sporting director Julian Ward completed a slick £37 million deal in December 2022. Gakpo’s instant adaptation to Jürgen Klopp’s system—highlighted by goals against Everton, Newcastle and, ironically, United—only sharpened criticism that the Man Utd transfer policy is reactive, slow and overly cautious.

McCarthy’s blistering criticism

Speaking on South African radio, McCarthy did not mince words: “We had a manager who knows Dutch football inside out, recommending a Dutch international in the prime of his form, but the club said no. That shows the disconnect between coaching and recruitment.” His comments echo previous digs from club legends Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes, who have often pointed to bloated wage bills and expensive flops as symptoms of systemic dysfunction.

The scouting dilemma and internal politics

United’s scouting network has been reshaped several times since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, yet results remain inconsistent. Critics argue that the Man Utd transfer policy prioritises brand value and resale potential over tactical fit. Examples include Ángel Di María, Alexis Sánchez and Donny van de Beek, all of whom arrived with reputations but struggled to integrate. Club sources insist the current model blends data analytics with traditional scouting, but McCarthy’s revelation suggests those departments still speak different languages.

Finances and FFP constraints

United supporters frequently question why their club, ranked among football’s richest, hesitates over mid-range fees. Insiders point to Financial Fair Play ceilings, the cost of servicing takeover-related debt and an annual wage bill exceeding £200 million. Even so, the optics of losing Gakpo—a 23-year-old Netherlands international available for a sensible price—while later spending £72 million on Rasmus Højlund have fuelled accusations that the Man Utd transfer policy lacks coherent sequencing.

Lessons from recent windows

• 2019: Failed moves for Paulo Dybala and Christian Eriksen, late scramble for Odion Ighalo on loan.
• 2020: Jadon Sancho talks dragged across three windows before a fee was finally agreed.
• 2021: Cristiano Ronaldo re-signed more for sentiment than long-term planning.
• 2022: Frenkie de Jong saga ended with Casemiro as an eleventh-hour alternative.

Each episode underlines how rival clubs exploit United’s hesitation. Liverpool wrapped up Gakpo in 48 hours; Chelsea secured Moisés Caicedo despite late United interest; Arsenal acted early on Declan Rice. The pattern suggests that clear leadership and a united footballing philosophy, not just cash, drive modern success.

What next for Ten Hag?

Privately, Ten Hag remains frustrated but determined. He has pushed for a streamlined hierarchy featuring a sporting director who reports directly to him and chief executive Richard Arnold. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s proposed minority takeover via INEOS could accelerate structural change, yet no appointments will matter unless the Man Utd transfer policy embraces a manager-led, analytics-supported model rather than a scattergun committee approach.

Summer 2024 priorities

Sources say Ten Hag wants two new full-backs, a right-sided centre-back and another striker to ease pressure on Højlund. With Gakpo gone, attention has turned to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams. Whether those pursuits materialise will again test the alignment—or lack thereof—between coaching staff and recruitment gatekeepers.

Opinion: Time to trust the manager

The entire Gakpo saga crystallises years of mis-steps at Old Trafford. A successful modern club empowers its head coach with the final say, supported by smart data and proactive negotiators. Until United adopt that principle, every window will produce the same headlines: missed targets, inflated fees and under-performing squads. For a giant desperate to reclaim former glory, fixing the Man Utd transfer policy is not optional—it is the first prerequisite for competitive relevance.

Short opinion: Ten Hag’s eye for talent has already been validated by Lisandro Martínez and André Onana. The board must either trust his judgement or risk watching more future stars thrive elsewhere.