Rather than addressing multiple positions during their transfer windows in recent summers, Manchester United have adopted a strategy of overhauling one main area of the pitch each window.

The club's transfer business has been poor since Sir Alex Ferguson retired, and it's now clear that INEOS are using data as a major factor in their business, despite the mixed success of their first summer window in 2024.

In 2025, the club focused heavily on the attack, bringing in three new forward signings in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško, with the trio all scoring 10 or more goals in the league last season.

Despite needing additions in other areas across the pitch, United's business in the 2026 window focused on the midfield, bringing in Youri Tielemans, Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba as United added depth to a position that had been crying out for reinforcements for a couple of seasons.

With that in mind, next summer's window will almost certainly heavily focus around the defence, but that doesn't mean that United haven't been monitoring other areas of the pitch.

While Fulham have struggled to adapt to life under new boss Alvaro Arbeloa, 19-year-old Josh King has had a very promising start to the new league season, and has put a number of elite clubs on high alert.

As reported by Football Insider, Manchester United are among the clubs believed to be keeping a close eye on King's progress, with the midfielder viewed as one of the most talented young players in Europe at the moment.

The outlet reports that Fulham are reluctant to sell their best player, but an offer of £50 million or more could tempt the Cottagers to sell their prized asset.

While a January move seems unlikely, a deal could be agreed next summer, especially if Fulham's form doesn't improve.

The issue United face with their new strategy is that INEOS risks becoming too rigid with their approach to signings, prioritising one area of the pitch while leaving others unresolved, or passing up market opportunities if or when they arise.

Josh King is a good example of this new dilemma the club faces. It is unlikely that Josh King will be at Fulham for much longer if his performances continue to impress the top table of European football, and if United believe he can be a key player at United, as Bruno Fernandes only gets older, delaying a move simply because midfield isn't the priority could be costly.

Yes, the defence is definitely an area that needs addressing, with several defensive stars at United approaching the end of their contracts; however, addressing that problem shouldn't mean ignoring other positions.

Ultimately, INEOS must strike a balance between data-driven long-term planning and the flexibility to seize market opportunities. Focusing on one area each window can help build a balanced squad, but it can't dictate every decision if they want to avoid repeating the same mistakes of the past decade.