Manchester United now have clarity over the managerial situation at Old Trafford – and can now start focusing on incoming transfers.
Ineos have finally made the decision everybody was waiting on.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co, after weeks of speculation, have decided to stick with Erik ten Hag.
Reports late on Tuesday night indicated that Ineos have decided that Ten Hag will stay as Manchester United boss after all.
Ineos have been conducting an end-of-season review, looking into the club’s rather disappointing campaign from top to bottom.
Rumours have been swirling over Ten Hag’s future for a while now but the Dutchman will be in charge moving into next season.
Finally having clarity on Ten Hag’s future is a major relief and United can now focus on some big summer transfer business.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe stance on Jarrad Branthwaite
United need to spend this summer and Ineos will look to be a little more calculated than the club has been in recent years.
Gone are the days of spending big fees and handing huge contracts to players like Raphael Varane and Casemiro.
Ineos will want to commit their money to top young talents who can make an impact at Old Trafford for years to come.
One of the top targets appears to be Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Reports in recent days have suggested that United expect to get a deal done for Branthwaite before the end of June.
Everton need to sell this month in order to meet the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, leaving United in a position of leverage.
TalkSPORT now claim that United are reluctant to meet Everton’s £70million asking price, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a confidence about him in this pursuit.
Ratcliffe allegedly believes that United are the ‘only serious suitors’ for Branthwaite, seemingly not believing that other clubs are quite as interested.
Ratcliffe doesn’t appear to be paying much attention to links with a move to Real Madrid and doesn’t want to go higher and higher with his offer when he doesn’t see much competition.
Don’t rule out Branthwaite swap
United may not be keen on paying that £70million demand and Ratcliffe will be tempted to wait it out and hope that Everton get desperate as June 30th draws closer.
Making a lower offer of around £40million or £50million may be in the United plans and we may yet even see an exchange.
Reports in May suggested that United were willing to offer a player to Everton in order to get a deal done.
We weren’t exactly sure who could be offered up to the Toffees but midfielder Hannibal Mejbri would make some sense.
Everton wanted Hannibal in January and may lose a midfielder this summer with Amadou Onana attracting some interest.
Cash plus Hannibal would be ideal for United, offloading a fringe player whilst landing the top centre back target.
That may be something in mind for Ratcliffe and Ineos, who seem ready to play a game of brinkmanship with Everton as they – so far – stick to a huge asking price.