While their Premier League rivals are snappily adding to their squads, the Reds are yet to get out of the starting blocks as their summer transfer window seems to be plodding along onerously.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be adding more white hairs to his head as he has the unenviable challenge of improving the Reds’ team while also being mindful of Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions implemented by the Premier League, especially since the club had been spending heavily under Erik ten Hag since he joined. As such, the Old Trafford club will be keen to avoid any possible issues this summer, despite MEN Sport understanding that no players need to be sold before the June 30 deadline.
Of note, one contract that appears to be moving along nicely is Ten Hag’s, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says that the Dutchman is close to finalising a new contract with United. Negotiations are said to have gone well and that, as part of the new deal, there will be changes to the coaching staff.
It appears that one noteworthy recruit on the wishlist is Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is currently weighing up whether to return to Old Trafford or take up a situation with Burnley as their new manager.
According to MEN Sport, finalising Ten Hag’s new contract at Old Trafford will be of great relief to all and sundry involved with the club, as the Reds need stability and INEOS’ decision to offer the Dutchman a new contract should help all involved to move on accordingly. An intereting outcome would be to see how many coaching changes would come into play this summer and if they would meet Ten Hag’s approval, if at all that would ultimately matter with Ratcliffe and his INEOS entourage calling the shots.
As for wantaway-disgrace-turned-Bundesliga-hero Jadon Sancho, who has undergone an amazing resurrection since returning on loan to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, Sport 45 report that Barcelona are apparently interested in signing the incorrigible shining star this summer. However, Barca are understandably unwilling to fork out £40m for the winger and would instead insist on a loan move.
What MEN Sport says is that Sancho looks likely to be a frustrating issue for United this summer as the Reds cannot keep the Englishman around the club next season considering his immensely fractured relationship with Ten Hag.
A permanent sale is also out of the question as United are demanding a reported £40m for the striker. With that valuation, the Reds are never going to be able to sell him, and a loan move seems counter-productive for all parties. It would be no surprise if INEOS are getting frustrated.