Man Utd and Man City are spending £470m this summer, but their different strategies show very different plans ahead of the derby.
Manchester United and Manchester City are gearing up for Sunday’s first derby of the season, each having spent a lot of money to fix their midfield—but they took very different paths to get there.
Despite their differences, both teams had one clear goal this summer: to rebuild their midfield.
City spent a whopping £322 million on Enzo Fernandez, Elliot Anderson, and Ayyoub Bouaddi. United, meanwhile, brought in Carlos Baleba, Andrey Santos, and Youri Tielemans for a smaller total of £148.7 million.
The difference is even clearer when you look at the prices of each player. Every one of City’s new midfielders cost more than United’s most expensive signing. Fernandez came from Chelsea for a record-tying £125 million, Anderson cost £115 million, and Bouaddi was bought for £81.6 million. United kept things more modest, with Baleba at £65.2 million, Santos at £48.4 million, and Tielemans at £35.2 million.
In simple terms, City went big and broke records to remake their midfield, while United took a more careful approach. So, what did they actually get for their money? And who might come out on top?
United chose three quite different types of players. Baleba is a strong, athletic ball-carrier who can play in several midfield roles—a big help after Casemiro left. Santos is more defensively focused but can also move forward well. Tielemans adds valuable experience and calmness to the middle of the pitch.
United clearly didn’t want to overspend this summer, which is why they didn’t push hard for Elliot Anderson. They liked him but thought his price was way too high and didn’t want to compete directly with City.
Instead of chasing top superstar names, United went for a smarter, riskier strategy. It’s a gamble because although Baleba started well at Brighton, he had some tough moments last season. Santos wasn’t a regular starter at Chelsea, and Tielemans, while still good, is nearing 30.
Just five miles away, City spent more than double on their new midfield, lining up three players to replace Rodri. Here’s why that matters.
Rodri was a key defensive player who also kept hold of the ball better than most, and City split those roles among their new signings. Fernandez brings creativity, leadership, and moving the game forward. Anderson adds energy, pressing, and strength, while Bouaddi controls the ball deeply.
City’s signings aren’t just about right now—they’re thinking five years ahead. To put it in perspective, Fernandez will be 30 in five years, Anderson 27, and Bouaddi just 22. United brought in Tielemans, who is 29, but also two 22-year-olds, showing they’re thinking about the future too.
Only time will tell who’s made the better choices. Last season, we learned that spending a ton of money doesn’t guarantee success—just look at Liverpool’s £446 million rebuild.