Manchester United 'hatch' bold £100m transfer plan as 'leading contender' to replace Erik ten Hag named

Manchester United remain in the race for European football but must win at Crystal Palace this evening to keep realistic hope alive. Erik ten Hag’s side watched on as Newcastle United and Chelsea leapfrogged them in the table over the weekend, beating Burnley and West Ham respectively.

Palace are unbeaten in four and look much-improved under new manager Oliver Glasner, with the trip to Selhurst Park no easy task for the Reds. Ahead of what looks set to be another difficult clash, ManchesterWorld has some of the latest stories to come out of Old Trafford.

£100m plan

United are reportedly hoping to raise around £100million from the sales of two out-of-favour players this summer. GiveMeSport reports that Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood could see a significant amount received by those in charge at Old Trafford.

Sancho and Greenwood are both currently out on loan, at Borussia Dortmund and Espanyol respectively, and are unlikely to play for United again. Both have been impressive at their temporary homes and the Reds hope that can drive their price up come summer.

United will then use any money raised from player sales - which will likely be more than just Sancho and Greenwood - to invest in the squad early. Ten Hag and new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will look to strengthen across the board.

Tuchel latest

Recent reports suggest Thomas Tuchel has emerged as the ‘leading contender’ to take over at United, should Ten Hag leave. Football Insider reports that the German is well-liked by those in Manchester and ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ as a candidate to be in the home dugout at Old Trafford.

Tuchel is set to leave current club Bayern Munich at the end of the season and has made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League, where he has previously managed Chelsea. Bayern are reportedly eyeing an approach for Ten Hag and so the prospect of a swap is on the cards.

That Tuchel will be available for free this summer is another positive for United, who need to focus their investment on the playing squad. The 50-year-old has great pedigree across Europe and would command the respect of players instantly.