Man Utd's potential lineup next season as Ratcliffe to spend big on three stars
Manchester United's first-choice XI could look very different next season, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe bids to make his first full campaign as co-owner a memorable one.
While Ratcliffe insists that fans will need to be patient before the Red Devils return to the dizzy heights that supporters became so used to under Sir Alex Ferguson, it's understood that the INEOS chief wants to make three major signings in the summer transfer window. It follows a period of concern at United regarding Financial Fair Play regulations, but Ratcliffe's investment alleviates that.
According to the Mail, a centre-back, centre midfielder and centre forward are being prioritised, as the 71-year-old petrochemicals mogul aims to bolster the spine of the Red Devils' team - which might not even by managed by Erik ten Hag come August.
With that in mind, let's take a look at three signings to fit those positions and how United could line up in 2024-25.
Centre-back: Jarrad Branthwaite
Enjoying a breakout season at Everton, Jarrad Branthwiate has quickly become one of the Premier League's most coveted young centre-backs. At 21 and with an impressive loan spell with PSV Eindhoven last term under his belt, the 6ft 5in ball-playing defender has been part of a rear-guard which is only bettered by title-chasing Arsenal for clean sheets this season.
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The Red Devils have been monitoring Branthwaite's progress over the past few months, just like England manager Gareth Southgate, and Everton's tricky financial positions suggests that the Toffees could be forced to sell. Ratcliffe's desire to instil a British core in United's side makes Branthwaite - also eyed by Real Madrid and Tottenham - an ideal candidate, although there are alternatives.
France international Jean Clair-Todibo , who plays for INEOS-owned Nice, is living up to his potential this term, having just turned 24. Tottenham are once again admirers but Ratcliffe could oversee a deal between Nice and the Red Devils which suits both parties. Portuguese duo Goncalo Inacio and Antonio Silva , who play for Sporting Lisbon and Benfica respectively, have also been linked.
Jarrad Branthwaite has impressed Manchester United scouts (Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Centre midfielder: Joshua Kimmich
Another rumoured aspect of Ratcliffe's recruitment drive will be to target players who've entered the final 12 months of their contract. United midfielder Mason Mount was approaching the end of his deal Chelsea last summer and now Bayern Munich linchpin Joshua Kimmich finds himself in the same position amid links a move to Old Trafford.
Barcelona and Manchester City have also been tagged with interest, but with Casemiro possibly leaving the Red Devils this summer alongside Christian Eriksen and the on-loan Sofyan Amrabat, 29-year-old Kimmich would be a natural successor to play alongside wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo and behind captain Bruno Fernandes in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The German midfielder might not fancy coming if Thomas Tuchel gets the United job, though, as the pair's relationship at Bayern has allegedly become fractured. Tuchel will leave Munich in May but so could Kimmich if he and Bavarian giants fail to reach an agreement to extend his trophy-laden nine-year stay.
There's also Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi - linked with Arsenal and Barcelona - and of course, Frenkie de Jong , despite the Dutchman's insistence that he wants to stay at Barca. Highly-rated Benfica prodigy Joao Neves is another option, as is Everton powerhouse Amadou Onana .
Joshua Kimmich is out of contract at Bayern Munich in 2025 (Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)Centre forward: Victor Osimhen
Although Rasmus Hojlund is now showing signs of becoming an world-class striker after netting eight goals in his last seven games, it's claimed that Ratcliffe still wants a centre forward who's on the same level as a certain Harry Kane. There aren't many about but Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen can certainly put his hat in the ring and is on the market.
Despite enduring an injury-hit campaign, the Nigerian striker still averages more than a goal every other game in his fourth season with the Italian champions, whose title defence has been nothing short of a disaster. Osimhen reminded Europe's elite of his clinical nature on Wednesday when he took his only chance of the game against Barcelona, making it 1-1 ahead of the second leg.
Napoli aren't prepared let him go on the cheap but club president Aurelio De Laurentiis already knows that 25-year-old is ready to quit amid interest for Paris Saint-Germain, who reportedly want him to replace Real Madrid-bound Kylian Mbappe.
Victor Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli this summer (Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)"We knew that [Osimhen wanted to leave] last summer," De Laurentiis revealed in January. "That's why the contract negotiations were so drawn out and amicable... But we knew perfectly well that he would go Real Madrid, to PSG or to a English team."
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Should PSG snap Osimhen up before Ratcliffe and co have the chance, then the Red Devils will have to look deeper down the barrel. Brentford captain Ivan Toney is set to be available with only 12 months left on his contract, while red-hot Guinea international Serhou Guirassy continues to make a name for himself at Stuttgart.
Looking at the bigger picture, Ten Hag insists that if he's still in charge, he'll have the final say on player incomings. That's in spite of Ratcliffe wanting to recruit sporting director target Dan Ashworth, who remains on gardening leave at Newcastle as the Magpies demand a reported £15million in compensation.
Your turn! Who should Manchester United prioritise signing this summer? Let us know your pick in the comments section.
Manchester United could line up like this next season"I have had the talks with [Ratcliffe and his INEOS Sport team] about it," Ten Hag explained on Friday. "They will not bring in players who the manager doesn’t want, because that will not work. We will work there together, with suggestions, bringing players in and discussing."
The Red Devils' recruitment since Ten Hag arrived has been hit and miss to put it kindly, but after criticising United's expenditure in the past, it's time for Ratcliffe to make good on his word.
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