Man Utd summer transfer plans: Five arrivals targeted with 10 potential first-team departures

While uncertainty remains about the long-term future of Manchester United’s ownership, plans have already been drawn up for this summer’s transfer window.

The deadline for a second round of bids has reportedly been set for Wednesday at 9pm, with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe the only confirmed bidders, although it’s believed other interested parties are still in the running.

The process is expected to be wrapped up by the end of the season and, while summer transfer plans are described as ‘in flux’, Erik ten Hag has already discussed United’s strategy with club officials.

Presuming a takeover is completed, a new owner should provide an injection of funds to boost the Red Devils’ transfer budget, as could agreeing a new primary kit sponsor, with TeamViewer prematurely ending their partnership with United in December.

The club also recognise the need to sell several players in order to raise funds, with hopes they can bring over £100m through outgoings. Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek are among the most-high profile players Ten Hag is willing to let leave the club, along with Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly, Alex Telles, Brandon Williams and Anthony Elanga. ManchesterWorld has also been told Ten Hag has ‘lost patience’ with the perennially injured Anthony Martial, who has missed 32 games this season with four separate problems.

A potential departure for Martial would leave United light on options up front, although it’s unclear whether Wout Weghorst could be signed permanently this summer. Regardless, bringing in a world-class centre-forward is Ten Hag’s priority ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Victor Osimhen is seen as the no.1 transfer target at this stage, with Tottenham Hotspur reluctant to sell Harry Kane to a rival club. Dusan Vlahovic and Lautaro Martinez are also seen as alternatives.

United remain among the sides interested in signing Jude Bellingham this summer, a transfer that would require significant investment from new owners. Ten Hag would like to add two midfielders to his squad, while a centre-back is also of interest. As ever, recruitment plans will be dependent on which players depart, although Ten Hag is keen to get his business done early in the window.

Right-back is another area that is of interest to United, even if the improved form of Aaron Wan-Bissaka means it’s seen as less of a priority than in the two previous windows. Ten Hag may also be tempted to add another winger given Jadon Sancho is being viewed more as a no.10, despite Facundo Pellistri and Alejandro Garnacho impressing this season, in addition to Antony and Marcus Rashford. Amad is another young winger Ten Hag who could play a role next term, with the on-loan Sunderland attacker to be assessed over the summer.