Man Utd focuses on outgoings to support £170m summer transfer budget

Manchester United are said to be allocating a considerable budget of up to £170m for summer transfers, a substantial portion of which may be raised through player sales. This comes from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who, following a partial takeover of the club and contributing to the planning for the January transfer period, is now moving ahead with his first term.

Insiders have informed 90min that the chairman of INEOS is planning to fund team improvements this summer, and is currently budgeting between £150-170m. This figure is anticipated to be largely funded through player sales, expected to tally in close to around £100m.

Players who do not factor into Erik ten Hag's plans, including Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek, will be open for transfers, and it's likely that there will be significant changes to the existing team.

After an underwhelming stint at Old Trafford, Antony, purchased from Ajax in 2022 for £86m, is up for grabs. Despite Antony's falls in performance, Ratcliffe is ready to take a loss on the Brazilian winger but expects a 'significant' fee for agreement to sell.

No certain suitors for Antony have yet come forward, however, there is potential interest from Saudi purchasers. An Ajax return is not believed to be likely.

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Several other players are expected to also pique the interest of the Saudi market. John Murtough, the director of football, went to the Middle East during the Club World Cup to establish relationships with Saudi businessmen.

Al Hilal has expressed interest in signing midfielder Casemiro, provided the price is right. In addition, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr are devising deals to secure centre-back Raphael Varane.

With INEOS aiming to secure a comprehensive summer budget of £170m, measures are underway to acquire a fresh striker, centre-back and full-back, alongside an attacking midfielder. Michael Olise from Crystal Palace has been approved by Ratcliffe.

Despite initial consideration, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting from Bayern Munich is no longer a target – he was only discussed as a temporary addition in January. Benjamin Sesko is currently being contemplated for transfer from RB Leipzig, as are Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart.

Rafael Leao and Victor Osimhen, of AC Milan and Napoli respectively, are held in high regard at Old Trafford, though they are seen as currently unattainable targets.

Potential future options for United's defence include Jean-Clair Todibo of Nice and Jonathan Tah of Bayer Leverkusen, both of whom display potential. Milos Kerkez, left-back of Bournemouth, has also been scouted.