BREAKING – Man Utd’s first four signings are decided as Sir Jim Ratcliffe nears takeover

According to rumors, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is increasingly likely to control Manchester United next season. Despite competition from Sheikh Jassim, the INEOS CEO is said to be the frontrunner for a takeover. Should he wind up at Old Trafford, the 70-year-old will almost certainly be required to sign at least four players.

Manchester United are well aware that they will need at least four additions to compete with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City next season.

Though David De Gea’s contract is set to be extended, Erik ten Hag would prefer a new goalkeeper to push the 32-year-old for a starting spot.

United is open to strengthening at right-back, having originally planned to do so in January.

Regardless of what happens with Marcel Sabitzer, Ten Hag is looking for another midfielder.

And it’s no secret that United is looking for a new No. 9 due to the inconsistency of both Anthony Martial and Wout Weghorst.

So, with United already settling on four important priority acquisitions at a time when Ratcliffe appears to be close to a takeover, Express Sport delves deeper into the scenario.

Goalkeepers
United is expected to maintain hold of De Gea, who is willing to accept a salary cut in order to remain at the club.

However, with Dean Henderson refusing to sit on the bench and Jack Butland due to return from his loan term, Ten Hag would like to see another shot-stopper arrive.

Jordan Pickford is a target, however, a move for the England international is far more likely in the event that De Gea leaves.

Diogo Costa and David Raya have both been prominently connected in the last year, owing to their strong performances for Porto and Brentford, respectively.

United has also surfaced as a potential bidder for Anderlecht midfielder Bart Verbruggen.

United’s right-backs have seen Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka perform admirably this season.

However, neither player has been able to maintain consistency over the entire season thus far.

That is why Ten Hag is aiming for an upgrade this summer, as the Dutchman is eager to improve in that area.

United’s top aim is Jeremie Frimpong, who was on their radar in January. With the season coming to a finish, a move to Old Trafford may be in the works.

Keep an eye on Denzel Dumfries as well, as the Dutch international was originally a target for Ten Hag last summer.

Midfielders United was interested in Jude Bellingham, but all indications are that the England international will leave Borussia Dortmund for Real Madrid instead.

Regardless, the Red Devils intend to add a quality midfielder to compete with their present squad.

One possible signing for United is Ryan Gravenberch. Ten Hag previously handled the 20-year-old at Ajax, and while there have been rumors of a move to Liverpool, nothing has been inked yet.

Frenkie de Jong will very certainly be chased again, as will Romeo Lavia and Brighton duo Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.

United might also sign Sabitzer on a permanent basis, however, it’s uncertain if Ten Hag wants him after being in and out of the club since his January arrival.

Strikers Of all the positions Ten Hag wishes to strengthen, a striker is the Dutchman’s top priority.

It’s easy to understand why, with both Martial and Weghorst failing to live up to expectations this season.

United’s main goal is Harry Kane, but the Tottenham star will not be cheap, with Spurs expected to demand at least £100 million to let their superstar go.

It will need a similar sum to sign Nigeria star Victor Osimhen, who led Napoli to their first Serie A victory since 1990.

As the summer approaches, Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos are also being considered.