Ratcliffe’s arrival at the club was ratified shortly after the January transfer window, meaning this summer has been his first opportunity to add new signings. The billionaire had already been working behind the scenes to bring in CEO Omar Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox and sporting director Dan Ashworth, with the group working on new deals.
The first two of those deals have already been wrapped up. Joshua Zirkzee has completed a £36.5million move from Bologna, with Leny Yoro following in a move from Lille worth an initial £52m.
United have also offloaded some high earners, releasing Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial and selling Mason Greenwood to Marseille. However, those three might not be the last to leave.
Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelöf, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay and Christian Eriksen are all out of contract in the summer, and ESPN report that United are prepared to listen to offers for all five. Fulham have seen a bid for McTominay knocked back already, with Galatasaray also linked with the Scotland international, while West Ham explored a move for Maguire in 2023.
Casemiro, who joined United from Real Madrid in 2022, is another who could be made available. The Brazilian endured a tough second season in Manchester and missed out on a spot in Brazil’s Copa America squad, but there has been reported interest from Saudi Arabia.
The seventh player who could move on is Antony. The winger joined in the same window as Casemiro but United reportedly looked into a permanent sale earlier this year, while it now appears they will entertain a loan if a team is prepared to cover his wages.
United fought off competition from Real Madrid to make Yoro their second summer signing. The French teenager’s fee could rise to nearly £60m if all add-on clauses are met, with Ashworth heaping praise on the centre-back.
“Leny is one of the most exciting young defenders in world football; he possesses every attribute needed to develop into a top-class centre-back,” Ashworth said. “Having had such an excellent start to his career we are excited to support him in reaching his immense potential here at Manchester United.
“This club has a fantastic record of developing young players, whether homegrown or brought in from elsewhere, and giving them the required guidance, time and patience to grow and flourish. Under Erik ten Hag and our excellent staff we will ensure that Leny has the perfect platform to achieve the success that everyone across the club is aiming for.”
Author: Mujuni Henry
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