After missing out on Champions League football next season, Man United’s co-owner has laid out some new rules for the recruitment team to follow.
Manchester United are without European football for only the second time since 1990, and because of this co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has laid out some new rules for manager Ruben Amorim and the recruitment team to follow when buying players this summer.
It has been no secret that this United squad was set to undergo a serious facelift in terms of transfers this summer, with boss Amorim even calling the squad the “worst team in United’s history” earlier on in the season.
There have been reports and speculations surrounding a mass of brilliant talent this season, with potential players ranging from established names like Victor Osimhen to wonderkids such as Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.
It seems now though, that Ratcliffe and co want to take another route in this transfer window, with the aim being to avoid the same mistakes that were made under Erik ten Hag and his £200 million summer expenditure last summer.
Ratcliffe sets clear target for Amorim to keep his job
Earlier this week, it was reported that Ratcliffe has set Amorim the target of finishing in the top six of the Premier League next season, this is apparently a non-negotiable criteria for the manager to fulfil next season, with his job on the line if he does not succeed.
Considering that the club only have domestic fixtures to focus on, this is not only a realistic goal, but also a desperately needed requirement for the club should they want to gain the additional revenue streams facilitated by European competition.
In order to do this, as reported by Manchester World, the club have set their sights on one specific type of footballer – players with proven Premier League experience.
While securing these players may prove to be an issue due the club’s struggling finances and Amorim’s distinctive style of play not being for everyone, the overwhelming feel coming from United is that they need players who will be ‘for the club rather than the coach’- with a big focus being on securing players on the final year of their contracts or likewise, free agents.
Four perfect signings for Amorim
Based on the above criteria, we have compiled four players who may end up putting on a United shirt next season.
Ross Barkley – The 31 year old is one year in to a three year contract with Unai Emery’s Aston Villa after being one of the standout players at Luton Town the season before. He scored three goals and got one assist this season in 19 appearances, but suffered an injury which left him side-lined for a large portion of the season.
Barkley is an experienced Premier League centre-midfielder and would be a big character in the dressing room, something that United seem to crying out for at the moment, especially with anticipated departure of Christian Eriksen.
Ashley Young – If experience and a cheap price tag is what United are after then they need look no further than ex-Red Devils player Young. The 39-year-old is due to leave current club Everton on a free at the end of this season and has no plans to stop playing, with his preferred destination somewhere in the Premier League.
He has been solid as a full-back for The Toffees this season and has even bagged a goal for them. The defender was part of United’s last title-winning side in 2013 and so would be able to help any younger characters with pressures they may face throughout the season.
Liam Delap – One of the more obvious choices for Amorim and co, Delap has been the standout player for relegated Ipswich Town, scoring 12 goals in 36 appearances in the league this season. He has been on United’s radar for a while due to his dogged determination, natural power, and brilliant striking ability.
It also helps that Town’s relegation activates his release clause, which is set at £30 million. As of today he has been given permission to explore his options, so many United fans will be putting him top of their ideal shopping list for the club before the new season kicks off.
Matheus Cunha– Another player who has been the standout performer for their club is the 25-year-old Brazilian. Cunha has been incredible for Wolves this season, scoring 15 goals and getting six assists in 32 league appearances, warranting interest from many top Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Newcastle.
It will delight United fans to know though, that Cunha has apparently made it clear that he favours the Manchester club, who are happy to pay his £62.5m release clause, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming the transfer should go ahead with no issues.
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