Sir Jim Ratcliffe receives ‘devastating’ update on Manchester United’s transfer solution

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United have received a ‘devastating’ update on one of their possible transfer solutions in the summer.

Ratcliffe and INEOS are beginning to take control of the footballing operations at United, with Omar Berrarda coming in as the new chief executive.

Additions in the roles of a sporting director and head of recruitment are also expected to follow, but Ratcliffe and his team had already identified one of their transfer targets for the summer window.

Michael Olise has been reported as the favoured option to take the role on the right wing, which has caused many troubles for United in recent years.

The Crystal Palace winger is extremely impressive and would offer United something different on that side. Antony, who joined from Ajax at the start of last season, has not impressed.

However, the main concern at the moment with Olise is his current problem with his hamstring. He missed the start of the season and then picked up another knock in that area after his return.

Read More: Manchester United fans think Michael Olise has already hinted at Old Trafford preference

Now, the player is out again after injuring the hamstring just nine minutes after coming on for Palace against Brighton last week.

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that the winger’s latest setback is “serious” but has not included a timescale for his return.

“It’s devastating for him, for the club, for everybody really,” Hodgson said. “I don’t think he was carrying an injury, I think it was more fatigue.

“It’s not easy when you’ve got a player like Olise on the bench to turn around and say ‘just sit there’. Michael is a quiet guy, and that’s another part of this situation.

“Another player might have come up and said, ‘Look, I don’t think it’s worth it. I need a bit more time.’ But that’s not fair on him, he’s just going along with what the club thinks.”

Many have placed the blame for Olise’s problems at the feet of Hodgson, who recently suggested that he would ignore the advice of the medical staff if Olise felt ready to play.

Olise has shown that he’s able to play consistently at the top level. Last season he made 40 appearances.

Ratcliffe and United should not be put off by the winger’s recent troubles, but it also needs to be something they consider ahead of the summer.