Woodward: United can break records with signings

Ed Woodward insists Manchester United are ready and willing to break the British transfer record if new manager Louis van Gaal decides they need to do so.

Woodward: United can break records with signings

Ed Woodward insists Manchester United are ready and willing to break the British transfer record if new manager Louis van Gaal decides they need to do so.

Woodward endured a frustrating first summer as United’s executive vice-chairman last year, as mooted transfers for Cesc Fabregas, Thiago Alcantara, Gareth Bale and even Cristiano Ronaldo failed to materialise.

United have paid upwards of £50million for Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera, but as has been the case for the last few years, the biggest transfers have taken place away from Old Trafford this summer.

Real Madrid signed James Rodriguez for £63million on Tuesday and Barcelona paid £75million for Luis Suarez earlier this month.

When asked whether United would be willing to pay a similar amount for a player, Woodward said: “It is in our capabilities. The club are not afraid of doing that – spending significant amounts of money in the transfer market.”

Such a move would cause United to break the £50million record transfer fee paid by Chelsea for Fernando Torres in 2011.

Woodward insists neither he nor the club would be fazed about being responsible for such a big deal.

“Whether it’s a record or not doesn’t really resonate with us,” Woodward said.

“What resonates is a top, top elite player that the manager wants that is going to be a star for Manchester United.

“We are in a very strong financial position. We can make big signings.

“I get pointed in the direction of a target that the manager wants and there is an assessment of what that might cost and I’ll negotiate hard to do the best I can on the trade.”

Press Association Sport understands United are interested in signing Mats Hummels from Borussia Dortmund, although the club expect the Germans to fight hard for the centre-back, given that they have already lost Robert Lewandowski to Bayern Munich this summer.

Van Gaal is also interested in signing compatriots Daley Blind, Stefan de Vrij and Kevin Strootman, although a move for the latter may have to wait until January as he is struggling with the knee injury that kept him out of the World Cup.

United have been told that Angel Di Maria is for sale, which could prompt Van Gaal to make an enquiry for the Real Madrid winger.

Arsenal defender Thomas Vermaelen is also on Van Gaal’s wish list, although United have not, contrary to reports, agreed a swap deal for the defender that would see either Nani or Chris Smalling heading the other way.

If Woodward landed two or three of those targets, he would go some way to enhancing his reputation, which took a hammering last summer when his only capture was £27.5million man Marouane Fellaini, who went on to endure a torrid season.

The former investment banker, who joined United in 2005, admits he still has some work to do to persuade fans he is the right man to be responsible for the club’s transfer and contract negotiations.

“You gain credibility through experience and through time,” he said.

“You can’t expect credibility from day one and I wouldn’t ask that of the fans.

“You keep learning on the job and I’ll continue to learn for a long period of time.

“I don’t mind reading (criticism) because it’s extremely important for me to listen to the fans.

“Criticism can change into positive comments over a period of time.”

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Rangers v Bayer 04 Leverkusen - Friendly Match - Ibrox Stadium Uli Hoeness says 'probably impossible' to lure Xabi Alonso from Bayer in summer
Republic of Ireland Training Session and Media Conference Ogbene ruled out for 'few weeks'
Chelsea v Leicester City - Barclays Women's Super League - Kingsmeadow Willie Kirk sacked as Leicester boss after position became ‘untenable’
Sport Push Notifications

By clicking on 'Sign Up' you will be the first to know about our latest and best sporting content on this browser.

Sign Up
Sport
Newsletter

Latest news from the world of sport, along with the best in opinion from our outstanding team of sports writers

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited