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Ratcliffe's first summer window with six Man Utd untouchables and limited budget

14 June 2024 , 05:00
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has considered his options before deciding to stick with Erik ten Hag (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has considered his options before deciding to stick with Erik ten Hag (Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Now the drawn-out saga of Erik ten Hag's future has been resolved, Manchester United can begin the process of rebuilding their under-performing squad.

The window has now opened, with United's squad in need of a shake-up after the shambles of last season, which almost cost Ten Hag his job, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team having decided to stick with the Dutchman, after failing to identify a suitable replacement.

Having ended last season in eighth place, their worst-ever Premier League finish, this summer is one of huge significance for United in terms of making their squad competitive once again.

Ratcliffe's newly-installed football operations team are handling recruitment, leaving Ten Hag with the sole remit of coaching the team, a change he is known to be resistant to, arguing his must be the dominant voice when it comes to transfers.

Jason Wilcox, appointed United technical director in April, is leading this summer's recruitment drive, in the absence of Dan Ashworth, who is set to take up the role of sporting director, but still on gardening leave at Newcastle.

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Wilcox is being supported by Sir Dave Brailsford, who is providing ownership representation, as well as Andy O'Boyle and Matt Hargreaves, United's deputy football director and director of football negotiations respectively.

While there have been several confirmed departures, including defender Raphael Varane, striker Anthony Martial and full-backs Brandon Williams and Alvaro Fernandez, another handful could be on their way out of the club as Ratcliffe and his Ineos team tackle their first window.

Ratcliffe's first summer window with six Man Utd untouchables and limited budgetErik ten Hag, seen holding the FA Cup, will remain as Man Utd boss, after the club concluded an end-of-season review (PA)

Ostensibly, Ineos will listen to offers for most of the United squad, the exceptions being Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Diogo Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Rasmus Hojlund.

Even captain Bruno Fernandes, United's best and most reliable player, is available if the price is right, particularly if a Saudi Pro League club is willing to pay up to £80million for a player approaching 30, such are the financial constraints imposed by the Premier League's spending rules.

In reality, though, Fernandes is likely to be offered an improved new deal and stay, such is his importance to United, who cannot afford to undergo a complete overhaul of their entire squad in one window, with the emphasis on evolution, rather than revolution.

But United's limited budget – currently around £40m to £50m - can only be supplemented by player sales, which is why the club are willing to listen to offers for so many members of their squad.

Moreover, money made from academy players such as Marcus Rashford or Scott McTominay counts as pure profit in terms of the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, an important consideration in the overall summer spending plan and one that could make those two more likely to be sold.

Ratcliffe's first summer window with six Man Utd untouchables and limited budgetCasemiro, who played no part in Man Utd's FA Cup win over Man City, is likely to leave this summer (Getty Images)

Casemiro is expected to leave for a lucrative pay day in the Saudi Pro League, while £85m flop Antony will be sold if United can recoup a decent chunk of that exorbitant outlay.

Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and Donny van de Beek are expected to go, while United have already put a £40m price tag on exiled winger Jadon Sancho, while another forward who has returned after a loan spell, Mason Greenwood, is also likely to leave on a permanent basis.

In terms of incomings, United have been linked with moves for Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, as well as Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille centre-back Leny Yoro. Bayer Leverkusen wing-back Jeremie Frimpomg is another target, as are Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes.

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Despite so many players being on the radar and scouted, United are set to focus on strengthening in three key positions this summer – centre-back, midfield and up front, with other non-priority areas considered a bonus if players can be brought in to fill those other areas.

David McDonnell

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