Ratcliffe preparing summer overhaul at Man United – sources،
Manchester United are prepared to shed their squad this summer to help accelerate progress on the pitch under new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, sources have told ESPN.
United have money to spend in the next transfer window, but concerns over the club's financial situation – particularly non-compliance with profit and sustainability rules – will limit the funds available.
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Recruitment conversations with Ratcliffe and INEOS director Sir Dave Brailsford focused on the need to get rid of players to increase the budget.
United have generated their highest commercial profit since Cristiano Ronaldo left for a world record fee in 2009 in the past 12 months, but more spending will be needed this summer.
Question marks remain over the futures of 11 first-team players, including Christian Eriksen, Raphaël Varane, Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelöf.
Anthony Martial, out of contract this summer, is set to leave on a free transfer while United will also seek offers for players already on loan, including Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri and Brandon Williams.
United hope to sign a striker and a defender this summer, while improving the overall quality of the squad.
Manager Erik ten Hag expressed alarm at the drop in performances when key players such as Lisandro Martínez and Luke Shaw were absent through injury, while it is also accepted that Rasmus Højlund was asked to play more than matches than originally planned due to a lack of other options.
The 21-year-old, signed for £72 million ($91 million) this summer, has already played 30 games this season, just four of his total for Atalanta last season.
Although he has found his feet at United with six goals in his last six games, the club are keen to manage their workload next season by bringing in a player to help ease the burden and reduce the need for the young to start every match.
