Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s summer revamp at Manchester United is to see them target a striker and defenders for the right side of their defence.
Ratcliffe’s 27.7 per cent ownership and control of football operations has seen United move for Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth to oversee transfers but with a deal still to be agreed, the current recruitment team have looked at key positions in the first-team in need of strengthening.
Striker
It is understood United have been assessing centre-forwards to support Rasmus Hojlund, who has delivered on his promise in the last two months but is Erik ten Hag’s only orthodox striker.
Hojlund’s training-ground injury, which has ruled him out for up to three weeks, saw Marcus Rashford struggle up front in the 2-1 defeat by Fulham on Saturday, with Anthony Martial also out until April after groin surgery.
Defence
United are also in the market for a right-back and a right-sided centre-back to bolster their backline. Aaron Wan-Bissaka has one season left on his contract and has shared right-back duties with Diogo Dalot this season. Dalot has also covered on the other flank after Luke Shaw’s injury.
At centre-back, Raphael Varane has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia and has a year left on his contract, as has Victor Lindelof. Harry Maguire’s terms also expire in 2025, albeit with an option for an extra year, while Jonny Evans was signed for cover this season.
Midfield
While Ratcliffe has invested more than £1 billion to co-own United, spending to get United back to the top will be bound by the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules, which is an important factor of the club’s transfer strategy.
While the striker, right-back and centre-back positions have been the priority, they could also be in the market for a midfielder depending on the future of Casemiro. The Brazil international has also attracted interest from the Saudi Pro League and his departure would mean a gap in the squad that needs filling.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
