Just days after lifting the FA Cup at Wembley Stadium concentration turns to off-the-pitch matters for Manchester United as preparations for the 2024/25 season kick in.
The club are undergoing a review of the season with a decision yet to be made on the future of manager Erik ten Hag. There are then the moves that the club will make in the upcoming transfer window.
There are set to be changes in defence with Raphael Varane leaving at the end of his contract. Striker Anthony Martial has also confirmed that he will be leaving Old Trafford after nine years.
It’s no surprise then that there is a lot of talk in the media around Old Trafford. Here’s some of what has been reported with our own take.
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Kieran McKenna update
Manchester United are one of the clubs to be linked with an interest in Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna amid the continued uncertainty surrounding Ten Hag’s future.
McKenna was said to be one of the options for United as a replacement for the Dutchman if the decision was made to part ways this summer. But they had competition from both Chelsea and Brighton as the Premier League duo search for new managers.
Chelsea now look to be closing in on the appointment of Leicester boss Enzo Maresca, while various reports claim that McKenna is set to stay at Ipswich. It’s widely reported that the former United assistant manager is to sign a new long-term contract at Portman Road, committing his future to the club.
MEN Sport says: While a definite decision is yet to be made on Ten Hag’s future, United are considering sticking with the manager for next season. It comes after dialogue with representatives of several possible successors in recent weeks.
McKenna’s achievements with Ipswich in earning back-to-back promotions have caught the eye, but hiring a manager with no managerial experience at the very top level would be a massive risk. For United, it may be wise to see how he copes in the Premier League with Ipswich over the next year.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Jarred Branthwaite stance
Everton defender Jarred Branthwaite has been a name who has been linked with a move to United for the last couple of months. The defender has impressed with his performances for Everton this season, earning a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2024.
The Daily Star reports that Everton will demand a fee of £80million for Branthwaite this summer, but United’s valuation is some way away from that at around £60million. The report adds that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will ‘not pay over the odds’ for the player and is prepared to look elsewhere if a deal can’t be struck.
It adds that the new owner believes that United have overpaid for players previously and is determined not to let that happen again.
MENSport says: As good as Branthwaite has been this season, United should have an upper limit as to what they are willing to pay for the defender. If Everton are not prepared to come down to that limit during negotiations – as is their right to – then the sensible thing for United will be to move on.
While not specifically mentioned, United found themselves in a similar situation when buying Harry Maguire from Leicester City. United ended up paying £80million, with the defender coming in for criticism of that price tag since.