There is more going on than ever at Manchester United, with the season midway through, new investment, and the transfer window open.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s investment into Manchester United just awaiting the Premier League green light, work is busily going on behind the scenes at Carrington to try and get this club back on track.
Erik ten Hag‘s side have had a tumultuous year, and there are more questions to be asked than ever before.
United In Focus spoke exclusively to HITC Football‘s new transfer insider Graeme Bailey to get the lowdown on everything going on at Old Trafford.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves
Dan Ashworth 60/40 to Manchester United
New investors Ineos are focusing on getting the appointments right behind the scenes first, with Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth a key target. We asked how likely his arrival at the club is.
“It’s a David Gill type role. He’s had that role at the FA. I’ve heard the argument he will have more control at United, Sir Dave Brailsford is a close friend of his, he knows he can trust him. It looks like we are going to have a head of recruitment as well and that does look to be Paul Mitchell.
“If United can get that team in place, Ashworth and Blanc and Mitchell underneath, that looks like a world class operation. That looks encouraging I think for United.
“With Ashworth there is a confidence there they can do it. Newcastle have not knocked down the conversations and stories, they know it’s true, and Ashworth is thinking about it. What we are being told at the moment, it’s at least 60/40 Ashworth goes, which is a big thing.”
Dave Brailsford
We asked what approach Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s advisor Sir Dave Brailsford is coming into the club with.
“He’s coming from the point of view whenever he’s been involved in sport, he’s been involved in world class operations, and that’s what he sees United as. He knows what needs to improve.”
Manager situation
We asked what Ineos’ stance is over current manager Erik ten Hag, who is midway through his second season at the club.
“When it comes to the manager I don’t think they have really set their hearts on what they are going to do. They will get these in place.
“I suspect Ten Hag will get a season to put it right, I don’t think its nailed on but I think he will. Ratcliffe quite likes him, likes his discipline, likes how he’s gone about things.”
Anthony Martial blocking striker signing
We would love to see Manchester United sign a striker this January to support Rasmus Hojlund. We asked how likely this is to happen.
“It will depend totally on Anthony Martial. If he leaves a striker would come in. You have looked at strikers on loan, Benjamin Sesko has been offered, that’s an option on loan. Timo Werner you were in that market. Serhou Guirassy if he was a loan possibly but is he good enough to come to United, I would argue not really.
“Martial does hold all the cards really here. He’s talking to other clubs now, about a summer move. The way these wages accrue, he’s on more money now than he’s ever been on at Old Trafford. Unless he leaves I don’t see a striker coming in.”
Potential defensive targets for the summer
Manchester United’s main transfer business is expected to take place in the summer, with a defensive signing expected. We asked which names in particular we should keep an eye on.
“Scalvini and Silva stand out. I know United scouts absolutely love Silva at Benfica and he is an absolute Rolls Royce.”
Jadon Sancho loan could be extended to 2025
Jadon Sancho is expected to seal a move to Borussia Dortmund on loan, following his fall out with Erik ten Hag. We asked what the future might hold beyond that.
“They are very open to him spending another season there, and I think Sancho will be as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if during the loan they announce he’s extended for another year.
“He’s got a long time left on his contract, we know Dortmund won’t be able to buy that, and that suits United, if he goes there and plays well his value’s only going to increase, they stand a better chance of getting more money back.
“I think that suits all parties [to 2025]. It will depend on the manager. If we get to the summer and Ten Hag is replaced then all bets might be off.”
Mason Greenwood future
Mason Greenwood is currently out on loan at Spanish side Getafe. Manchester United declared in summer 2023 there was no route back for him into the first team. We asked what the future might hold for the academy forward.
“Atletico Madrid are very interested in him, Real Madrid and Barcelona are following him. They recognise what a talent he is. For the player as well he’s not clamouring to come back to England, he’s very settled in Madrid.
I think the player will push for a permanent deal in the summer, depending on who comes in.
He’d be perfect for you now. I know there’s a frustration among the coaching staff but sometimes the decisions are taken above your heads and I think they realise that.
Never say never, this is football, I don’t think we can 100 per cent rule it out [a return], Ineos recognise what a talented player they’ve got, it’s just not that easy.”
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