Manchester United’s early business in the summer transfer window has been a revelation as it put them in a firm position compared to their Premier League competitors. Jose Mourinho deserves a pat on his back for identifying and going after his targets with precision but another person who deserves equal praise is Ed Woodward.

The United executive vice-chairman is a much-maligned man for his wrong moves in previous transfer windows – especially under David Moyes and Louis van Gaal. But, what he did this season was good business and Woodward believes that it has put the club in a very strong position to win trophies this season, as reported by The Manchester Evening News.

Unlike the previous windows where the transfer window policy was more scattergun, this summer saw a more specific target-based approach. Victor Lindelof was signed very early to indicate the intent of going after targets immaculately.

Then, it was the turn of Romelu Lukaku, although we were also looking at Alvaro Morata, who eventually ended at Chelsea. What a signing the Belgian striker is proving to be! The signing of the season has to be that of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea who has slotted seamlessly into his role and has let Paul Pogba express himself more freely. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s new one-year deal was the icing on the cake.

Woodward was addressing the club investors on Thursday and indicated that the club is now well placed to mount a challenge for trophies this year. He said,

“We brought in three top players and added new contracts. We are well placed to challenge for trophies. These are very exciting times for Manchester United and we are excited for the season ahead and the future.”

There is no doubt that this has been a great summer of transfers for the Red Devils. Jose Mourinho’s team currently sit atop the Premier League table, level on points with rivals Manchester City on all counts. The early transfer business has to be one of the reasons for this comfort.

Signing the right players and the right number of players is very crucial for the success of a club. As seen with Everton, buying a lot of players doesn’t always percolate into on-field success.

Mourinho made a great start to his United career, winning three titles last season, but even the Portuguese tactician knows that clinching the Premier League title would be the barometer of his managerial success.