Manchester United are on the up. With Champions League football secured and third place all but locked in, the future is looking bright at Old Trafford. But to compete on four fronts next season, the squad needs serious reinforcements—and that means the transfer window will be crucial.

As the rumour mill starts spinning and big names are linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams, United’s recruitment team must focus on one key trait above all else: availability.

Last summer, INEOS got it right. Senne Lammens, Bryan Mbuemo, and Matheus Cunha hit the ground running, strengthening key positions and delivering electric performances from day one. Benjamin Sesko took a little longer to adapt, but since Michael Carrick’s appointment in January, he’s been unstoppable—scoring match-winning goals and showing exactly why he was brought in.

What made these signings so effective? They were available. All four stayed fit for almost the entire season, allowing the team to build chemistry and develop consistent patterns of play. That reliability has been the foundation of United’s resurgence.

Compare that to Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, and Matthijs de Ligt. All three are undeniably talented, but their time at Old Trafford has been plagued by relentless injuries. De Ligt hasn’t played since before Ruben Amorim’s departure. Mount and Martinez have been in and out of the lineup for two seasons, never able to build any rhythm or form.

For United to take the next step, the recruitment team must prioritize durability. Talent is essential—but talent that’s always on the pitch is priceless. This summer, every signing should come with one non-negotiable: the ability to stay fit and available when it matters most.