Report: Manchester United have £35m transfer budget this summer

Manchester United are preparing for their first-ever transfer window of the INEOS era.

The arrival of INEOS has already led to wholesale changes at board level, which have thus far been welcomed by the fans, who won’t remain patient forever.

A turbulent season at Old Trafford has cast doubt on the future of Erik ten Hag in the dugout, with reports frequently claiming that managerial candidates are being shortlisted in case his stint as first-team manager is cut short at the end of the season.

In line with a significant decision, such as replacing the manager, new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will hope his entourage can bolster United’s squad sufficiently enough so that they can go head-to-head with the likes of Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the Premier League.

Three weeks ago, ESPN suggested that the United hierarchy will enter the market this summer with an estimated net spend of around £100 million allowed. This, of course, could increase in theory when the exits of sold players have been sanctioned.

However, contrasting reports elsewhere suggest United will have a much lower transfer budget to spend from – until they sell players.

The Daily Mail this week claim United’s transfer budget this summer is little more than £35 million in cash, but will be supplemented with funds raised from players sales.

That puts real pressure on United to find buyers for players who, in the majority of cases, won’t attract interest from Europe’s biggest clubs.

United have struggled to sell players in the past, which is why each manager in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era has had valid reason to complain about not being given time to build their squads.

The Glazers went with a policy that meant astronomical wages for United’s first-team policy. They began to earn more than they achieved at the club. This is something that must change.

The club’s list of high priorities must also include removing the influence of agencies and agents existing at the club.

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