As Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes on his first challenge as a co-owner, Man United enters one of the most significant summer transfer windows in a decade.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images
If any Manchester United supporter said that the summer transfer window is not significantly more significant than previous ones, they are lying.
Following an unsatisfactory eighth-place Premier League season, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe must declare his intentions for the football team as he enters his first summer transfer window. According to early theories, the British billionaire is trying to be frugal during the transfer window, which makes sense given the significant summertime net expenditures in prior years.
This does not imply, though, that the founder of INEOS will get away with cutting corners on some of the major holes in this team. Therefore, MEN Sport has looked at the tasks that the club needs to accomplish before the summer’s drama starts.
Ten Hag reached a decision.
Hopefully, this will be wrapped up by early next week, but before any rebuilding can start, Ratcliffe must decide what to do with Ten Hag. The longer May goes on, the more sense it makes to retain the Dutchman as manager for the upcoming campaign.
This summer at Old Trafford, there will be a lot of change, so some familiarity is necessary. You may have assumed following the crushing defeat at Crystal Palace that the team had given up on Ten Hag and were actively plotting his departure, but they have responded admirably ever since, with the FA Cup victory serving as the cherry on top.
Ten Hag also benefits from the manager market’s dearth of options. The fact that Vincent Kompany, the manager of Burnley that was recently demoted, was recently appointed by Bayern Munich illustrates how limited the pool of qualified managers is.
The only sure upgrade on Ten Hag is Zinedine Zidane, and there’s little to no chance that he’ll show up.
Branthwaite indicators
Now that Ten Hag’s future is assured, the next item on the agenda should be to sign a center-back. There needs to be at least one more starter added to the mix because Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire are the only central defenders who are guaranteed for the upcoming campaign.
MEN Sport is aware that Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton is a player of interest and that he aligns with the type of player United is trying to develop. He is a gifted player who will only grow stronger, especially if he is selected for Gareth Southgate’s 26-man Euro 2024 squad as is predicted.
At just 21 years old, Branthwaite is undoubtedly an investment that could prove to be a brilliant move in a matter of years, even though he could cost up to £80 million.
Reenter the transfer race in Osimhen
The position of center forward comes next on United’s list of priorities, after center back. With Anthony Martial’s departure this week, the Reds’ only legitimate No. 9 is Rasmus Hojlund.
Ratcliffe ought to consider reentering the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen if he is sincere about moving United up the table as soon as feasible. The Serie A team will sell the Nigerian striker this summer, and as of right now, United is the outsider looking in.
Osimhen would ensure goals and give Hojlund some much-needed competition. Given that the 25-year-old wants to leave the Naples team, United may be able to get a great deal on a player who will almost certainly rank among Europe’s top scorers the following campaign.
Antony leaves
This last recommendation might not be practical, but it might help Antony’s career. The Brazilian has not lived up to Ten Hag’s expectations since he signed his former Ajax winger, as evidenced by his rough start to life in Manchester.
Given that the 24-year-old still has three years left on his contract, it would be wise to give him permission to spend a season on loan in either the Netherlands or another elite European league. The arrival of Michael Olise from Crystal Palace or giving Amad more authority could facilitate this move.
However his replacement is chosen, Antony would benefit greatly from a season away from the spotlight to regain his form.
