Inside Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s five-transfer window plan for Man Utd as ‘top target is agreed and Rashford fate revealed’
SIR JIM RATCLIFFE believes Manchester United need FIVE transfer windows to allow the club to compete for the top trophies.
The new part owner has bold recruitment plans for Red Devils following Tuesday’s confirmation of his 27.7 per cent takeover.
And a report from journalist Ben Jacobs, has now lifted the lid on Ratcliffe’s long-term plans, scheduled to be enacted over the next five windows.
The report reveals the INEOS chief intends to build a best-in-class recruitment team and is set to inject £237m.
United can’t go on a major spending spree this summer due to both UEFA’s Financial Fair Play and the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability rules.
There may be some flexibility if Champions League qualification is secured this season, or around £100m is brought in via outgoings.
Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is the only currently-approved summer target, with the winger open to the move.
Olise has scored six goals in 11 games this season, and has drawn interest from Juventus and Chelsea.
Ratcliffe also wants to keep Marcus Rashford, despite interest from PSG, who are set to lose Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid in the summer.
Indeed, a fully committed Rashford, the one who smacked 32 goals last season, would be central to Ratcliffe’s vision.
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With just five goals this season, the Englishman has gone from being United’s star player to essentially having to fight for place in the team.
The Red Devils – who currently sit sixth in the Premier League – also want a striker and a centre-back.
Sir Dave Brailsford is continuing his strategic review, which started last year and will continue into the first 6-8 weeks post completion.
Brailsford, Ratcliffe and Jean-Claude Blanc may also have to consider a shorter-term leadership team whilst the club wait for Dan Ashworth to start.
Sporting director Ashworth was place on gardening leave by Newcastle after he informed the Toon he wants to leave for Old Trafford.
Ashworth pointed out at interview the average age of the squad must be brought down by 1.5 years.