Manchester United have decided on their three priority transfers this summer as INEOS focus on bolstering the spine of Erik ten Hag’s team, according to reports. However, the Red Devils have already faced disappointment in the form of rejection from one target, who Arsenal were also pursuing.
With Ten Hag’s future now settled and the Dutchman in line for a new contract at Old Trafford, INEOS are pushing forward with transfer plans.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s group are set to oversee a shift in recruitment strategies this summer, drifting away from the Glazer family’s commercial-driven deals of a mediocre past decade.
United’s requirement to raise funds by offloading players is no secret, with INEOS reportedly keen to sanction a clearout ahead of their first full season in charge of football operations.
Mason Greenwood, Jadon Sancho and Casemiro represent the club’s most valuable assets in the shop window.
But United are believed to be willing to listen to suitable offers for almost all senior squad members as they look to boost an initial budget of around £50million.
With that initial budget, it’s become clear in recent days that the M16 giants have placed a new centre-back at the top of their wishlist ahead of Raphael Varane’s departure on June 30.
United are reportedly actively pursuing Lille’s Leny Yoro and have had a £43m bid for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected by Everton.
According to The Athletic, on top of a centre-back, Ten Hag is keen to add another central midfielder to his ranks after focusing on the department in the first two years of his reign.
United have signed Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Mason Mount on permanent deals under the Dutchman. Sofyan Amrabat and Marcel Sabitzer have also spent loan spells in Manchester.
But with Casemiro widely expected to leave, Kobbie Mainoo needs an ideal midfield partner to support his meteoric rise for club and country.
The report adds that the third position United intend to address is another striker as Anthony Martial prepares to leave as a free agent this month.
Rasmus Hojlund arrived in a £72m move from Atalanta last summer but was starved of support and competition throughout his debut campaign, in which he scored a club-high 16 goals.
It’s claimed that United wanted RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to partner Hojlund before he decided to sign a new contract at the Bundesliga club, with the view of leaving in 2025 or 2026.
Arsenal also missed out on the 21-year-old Slovenian as Mikel Arteta searches fresh firepower ahead of another Premier League title challenge.
United will also have to look elsewhere, but it would be a surprise if the club go without a new goalscorer beyond the summer deadline.