7 Man Utd stars who could be axed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe puts transfer plans in
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Manchester United’s football department will soon officially be led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who already has plans in place at Old Trafford ahead of the January transfer window
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to make significant changes at Manchester United after finally striking a £1.3billion deal with the Glazers.
While INEOS founder and chairman Ratcliffe will only boast a 25 per cent stake, the 71-year-old Brit and his colleagues will take control of United’s football operations as well as pledging a further investment of $300million (£236m) into the club. In his statement he made a pointed criticism of the club’s transfer dealings.
Ultimately planning to become United’s majority owner, boyhood Red Devils supporter Ratcliffe noted: “Whilst the commercial success of the Club has ensured there have always been available funds to win trophies at the highest level, this potential has not been fully unlocked in recent times.”
That’s put the focus on which players he feels are unfit to continue to at Old Trafford, with seven key names emerging.
First off, Jadon Sancho is the obvious candidate to leave Old Trafford in January – barring soon-to-be confirmed Eintracht Frankfurt loanee Donny van de Beek – a month in which Ratcliffe’s deal is expected to be ratified. Sancho, who United chased for over a year and eventually shelled out £73million on in 2021, has had a public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag and not even featured since August. A separation appears all but certain in the winter window, with former club Borussia Dortmund linked with a reunion.
Continuing with players who are out of favour, Anthony Martial is set to leave United next summer when his contract expires, although could go sooner if the Red Devils find a buyer. The French forward is now 28 and failed to live up to his potential, with many United supporters viewing him as the epitome of deep-rooted issues at the club which have allowed underperforming and overpaid stars to outstay their welcome.
Sticking in the forward line, Ten Hag’s biggest signing, Antony, could also find himself on the chopping block. The former Ajax winger has failed to made good on his £85m price tag, with fans’ patience wearing seriously thin following a string of underwhelming displays both this season and last.
On the other hand, Brazilian compatriot Casemiro enjoyed an immense debut campaign but has fallen off drastically in 2023-24. Close to returning from injury following a three-month layoff, the ex-Real Madrid midfielder’s spark seems to have gone out. Notably, too, his £60m arrival last summer was privately criticised by Ratcliffe during a meeting with club chiefs earlier his year.
His long-time team-mate in Madrid, Raphael Varane, is another player whose stock…
Read More: 7 Man Utd stars who could be axed as Sir Jim Ratcliffe puts transfer plans in 2023-12-24 23:00:00