As the dust settles on another frantic Premier League transfer window, both Manchester United and Arsenal have offered spirited defences of their recruitment strategies, even as questions linger over whether either club did enough to strengthen their squads for the campaign ahead.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick maintains his squad is in a stronger position than last season, despite being significantly outspent by several rivals. United's business centred on midfield reinforcements, bringing in Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos for a combined £148m following Casemiro's departure. However, the club made no additions in other areas of the pitch.
The disparity in spending across the league was stark. Manchester City splashed out more than £400m, while Chelsea and Tottenham both exceeded £300m. Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Liverpool all spent upwards of £200m, dwarfing United's outlay.
Carrick, though, was unconcerned about the financial gap, insisting United had maximised the resources available to them. "We went in wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season, and we've definitely added to that," he said. "I think we've done a lot of good work in that respect. The situation is what it is, in terms of finances and what we can work with and what we're trying to get the most of."
He was particularly pleased with the calibre of the three midfield arrivals. "The players that we've brought into the group, I'm delighted with, absolutely delighted with," Carrick added. "I think we've done some really good business there for the quality and the level of player that we've got."
The United boss was careful to clarify he was not suggesting the club had been restricted financially. "I'm not talking about the amount. I think whatever the amount is, you want to make the most of it, and whatever you spend, you want to make the most of it," he explained. "I think for what we've spent, we've certainly made the most of it, without a shadow of a doubt."
One subplot from deadline day saw United reject a loan approach from Everton for Joshua Zirkzee, who has yet to feature this season and has made just one start under Carrick. The manager was quick to stress the Dutch forward's importance to the squad. "Josh is important. It's the team, the squad, the depth, the whole season," Carrick said, adding that he retains a strong relationship with the player and believes he can contribute more regularly going forward.
Across London, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta struck a similarly defiant tone despite the Gunners failing to land their top attacking targets. Arsenal had identified the left wing as an area requiring reinforcement and pursued both Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez, only for both players to remain in Spain. A move for Morgan Rogers also failed to materialise, leaving Christos Tzolis as the club's sole attacking addition.
Having publicly demanded Arsenal be "very ambitious, very fast and very smart" following their Champions League final defeat in May, Arteta was asked whether that vision had been realised. "Yeah. 100% ticked," he responded. "The outcome after can be different to what you expect but the intention is certainly there. In my opinion, that's what I value most."
Arsenal also sold Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus during the window, while Ethan Nwaneri departed on loan to Borussia Dortmund, leaving the attacking options seemingly thinner than a year ago. Arteta pushed back against that assessment, pointing to the injury problems that hampered key players like Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka last season.
"I understand the point of view but as well we have to understand the minutes those players played and the ones that were injured last year, especially in the first six months," Arteta said. "The data shows something completely different. But it is what it is, this is what we have."
He added that his focus now lies solely on the squad at his disposal. "I prefer to look at all the incredible things that we have in the squad, not to spend any more time on the things that are not part of us right now. That's it. That's my main responsibility."
Based on reporting from The Independent and London Standard.