Sir Jim Ratcliffe to make huge change to Man Utd’s transfer strategy – report

Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will not back Erik ten Hag with a significant transfer budget, a report has revealed, as he seeks a change to the club’s recruitment strategy.

This summer will be Ratcliffe’s first transfer window in charge of United and fans have long been excited for what the future may hold under the INEOS chief, with many calling for a mass squad overhaul.

However, according to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe is wary of the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR) and is not prepared to bankroll a summer of expensive spending.

Ten Hag, or whoever is in charge of the team, will receive a budget well below the £175m spent on players last summer. Previous reports have claimed that transfer kitty will sit at just £35m.

Ratcliffe will instead challenge United to raise additional funds through the sales of first-team players like Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho, while also stressing the importance of bringing young players through the academy.

United posted losses of £115.5m in 2021/22 and £28.7m in 2022/23, with the team’s transfer expenditure blamed for putting the club at risk of PSR breaches.

As a result, Ratcliffe will decline to free up significant funds in a summer in which United are expected to be looking for a striker, winger, midfielder, full-back and at least one new centre-back.

Ratcliffe will instruct the manager to look to the academy for fresh faces. 20-year-old midfielder Toby Collyer has been tipped to join the senior squad, while 17-year-old left-back Harry Amass has also made a significant impression behind the scenes.

Before any decisions can be made on transfers, Ratcliffe will have to make a decision on the future of Ten Hag. Club officials are conducting a full review of the season and are expected to confirm their choice imminently.