Manchester United fans are expecting a big first summer under Ineos and, in truth, it’s probably needed.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are on board at Old Trafford and will be assessing the lay of the land after more than a decade of disappointment.
The amount of money United have wasted since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement is frankly astonishing and Ineos have to bring some semblance of organisation to the club.
Much of the focus right now is on adding the right football people behind the scenes.
Omar Berrada will join from Manchester City as the club’s new CEO and United hope to have Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth and Southampton’s Jason Wilcox on board soon.
United hope to bring Wilcox in very soon but need to agree compensation to secure Southampton’s director of football.
Formerly a key part of the Manchester City academy setup, Wilcox will play a key role in United’s recruitment – and he could help bring a big signing to Old Trafford.
Jason Wilcox link to Jarrad Branthwaite
United’s summer transfer business is a little up in the air for two key reasons.
Erik ten Hag’s future is unclear and United aren’t yet sure just who will be on board as deals for Ashworth and Wilcox remain elusive.
Some transfer targets are emerging in the media though and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been mentioned heavily.
Reports in March suggested that United want to strike a £50million deal for Branthwaite, whereas Everton are seeking £75million.
Add in rival interest from a host of other clubs and this pursuit didn’t look easy for United.
The Mirror now claim that United hope the appointment of Wilcox will help bring Branthwaite to the club.
That is because Wilcox has a ‘close working relationship’ with Branthwaite’s agent David Reeves and has worked with a host of his clients.
Reeves represents a number of players who worked under Wilcox at City, including Shea Charles – who he signed at Southampton – as well as Kian Breckin and Isaac Smith.
That relationship may just give United the nod over other clubs and can hopefully smooth over a potential deal this summer.
United may need two centre backs this summer
If United do sign Branthwaite, it will take up a pretty hefty chunk of the budget.
That isn’t exactly ideal as United may actually need two centre backs – and that is before even looking at other parts of the squad.
United would surely love to add a right-footed defender as well as another left-footer to compete with injury-prone Lisandro Martinez.
There are questions over the futures of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, so United will be looking at right-footers alongside the left-footed Branthwaite.
This could be an expensive venture for United but building a real defence for the future – much like Arsenal have under Mikel Arteta – may be a focus for Ineos this summer.