Out-of-favour Man Utd duo linked with Ligue 1 exit as Jim Ratcliffe aims to use links to his advantage

This summer marks a new chapter in the history of Manchester United as co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe begins plans for his first transfer window at Old Trafford.

The Ineos CEO has stated his ambitions to once again make the Red Devils a superpower in Europe and with the possibility of Champions League football decreasing with each passing week, it is suspected that it will be a busy month of transfer activity.

The Express reports that discussions behind the scenes have been heavily centred on who Manchester United can attract to bolster their playing squad. Ratcliffe’s connections with Nice have led to rumours of a move for promising defender Jean-Clair Todibo, who recently made his debut for France. While the likes of Melvin Bard and Khephren Thuram have also been linked with a move away from the Ligue 1 outfit.

However, HITC also understands that Ratcliffe’s connections with Nice could be used to facilitate the sale of two out-of-favour midfielders who have failed to nail down a spot under Erik Ten Hag. Christian Eriksen, who arrived in 2022 on a free transfer, has managed just 16 league appearances for the Red Devils and has become an increasingly peripheral figure in recent months due to a combination of injuries and form.

The 32-year-old along with forgotten midfielder Donny van de Beek could be moved on to France this summer before their contracts expire in 2025.

Van de Beek arrived at Old Trafford in 2020 with tremendous expectation, but has struggled to find his feet in English football - making just 35 appearances in four seasons, with just eight of those coming under Ten Hag.

The 26-year-old struggled for football during a loan spell at Everton last term - making just six appearances and has failed to impress at Eintracht Frankfurt since joining them on loan in January.