Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly planning a significant shift in the club’s transfer strategy, opting not to allocate Erik ten Hag a substantial budget for player acquisitions, as he aims to reform the club’s recruitment approach.
This upcoming transfer window marks Ratcliffe’s maiden opportunity to shape United’s squad since assuming ownership, sparking anticipation among fans for potential changes under the leadership of the INEOS chief, many of whom have been advocating for a thorough squad overhaul.
However, as per The Telegraph, Ratcliffe is cautious of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) and is unwilling to endorse a spree of high-priced signings during the summer transfer window.
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It’s indicated that Ten Hag, or whoever takes the reins, will be provided with a budget considerably lower than the £175 million spent on players during the previous summer, with reports suggesting a restricted transfer kitty of just £35 million.
Ratcliffe’s strategy instead focuses on leveraging funds through the sales of established first-team players such as Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho, while emphasizing the importance of nurturing talent from the club’s academy ranks.
United’s financial reports for 2021/22 revealed losses amounting to £115.5 million, followed by £28.7 million in the subsequent season, with excessive spending on transfers cited as a key factor jeopardizing compliance with PSR regulations.
Consequently, Ratcliffe intends to refrain from allocating substantial funds during a transfer window where United are anticipated to target reinforcements in multiple positions, including striker, winger, midfielder, full-back, and at least one central defender.
Ratcliffe is expected to encourage the manager to integrate prospects from the club’s academy into the first-team setup. Young talents such as 20-year-old midfielder Toby Collyer and 17-year-old left-back Harry Amass have reportedly impressed behind the scenes and could be considered for senior squad roles.
However, before any transfer decisions can be finalized, Ratcliffe must address the future of Ten Hag. Club officials are currently conducting a comprehensive review of the season and are anticipated to announce their decision imminently.