SHOCKING NEWS: coming from Fabrizio Romano, sir Jim Ratcliffe has announced that 11 players from United are going to be axed from the club once the current season ends has he plans to bring in the perfect once for united. Man United need to clear the decks in the 2024 summer transfer window and begin the process of trying to avoid mistakes of yesteryear.
If Sir Jim Ratcliffe addresses a single aspect of Manchester United this upcoming summer, it must be their recruitment department. The club’s history of overspending on players due to poor planning and impulsive decisions needs urgent correction. INEOS, having taken control of football operations, has acted swiftly by appointing Omar Berrada as the new CEO, emphasizing the dangers of inflated player fees, a pitfall United has fallen into repeatedly.
The £85.5 million acquisition of Antony from Ajax in September 2022 exemplifies United’s flawed recruitment strategy. The art of effective recruitment involves a balanced approach, which United has struggled with, often accumulating players, allowing contracts to expire, and either releasing them for free or selling them at minimal fees compared to rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City.
While contributing this season, United’s failure to offload Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay last summer showcases their inability to streamline the squad and secure substantial transfer fees. Such mistakes must not be repeated in 2024/25, a scenario unlikely with INEOS overseeing the process.
The upcoming summer transfer window poses a crucial period for United, with global attention on how INEOS will influence Old Trafford. If the ambition is to return United to the summit, a significant improvement in the club’s transfer market dealings is imperative. Numerous players need permanent exits, and a minimum of 11 players, contracted into the next season, should be considered for sale.
Contracts for Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof extend until June 2025, eliminating the risk of losing them for free. United aims to acquire a first-choice right-back, potentially making Wan-Bissaka expendable, with the upcoming transfer window representing the last chance to secure a respectable fee. Lindelof faces a similar situation, with United planning to sign a new centre-back, potentially reducing his playing time and diminishing his valuation.
Other defenders like Will Fish, currently on loan, may not have a future at Old Trafford. Brandon Williams and Alvaro Fernandez have contract clauses for additional one-year options, opening opportunities for offers. Loans for Hannibal Mejbri and Donny van de Beek could turn permanent.
In the forward areas, loan departures of Facundo Pellistri and Jadon Sancho may signal the end of their United careers. If they impress during their loans, United could capitalize on their sales, even though losses are likely. Mason Greenwood’s contractual status necessitates active efforts to offload him permanently, with interest from Spanish clubs.
Omari Forson, out of contract this summer, might be sold if United secures a new deal, following a precedent of tying down players and selling them subsequently. The upcoming summer represents a pivotal moment for United’s recruitment strategy, with INEOS at the helm, aiming to reshape the club’s future.
