Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani sent shockwaves through the transfer market after reports emerged that he was targeting a stunning move for Kylian Mbappe, should the Qatari’s £5billion takeover bid for Manchester United be successful.
And Mbappe was not the only high profile target to appear on his radar, with a potential bumper transfer window on the horizon for the Red Devils.
However, whatever optimism was generated by the rumour was perhaps stymied by the fact that the club’s war chest will be limited to just £100million, due to Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints.
As a result, a clear out of the squad will likely be required if the club are to invest heavily over the break – with a number of United stars potentially heading for the exit if Sheikh Jassim is to land his transfer targets.
Here, Mail Sport takes you through the potential casualties at the end of the season, and suggests how Erik ten Hag’s side might line-up in 2023-24 if the Qatari fends off Sir Jim Ratcliffe to take ownership of the club.
Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is reportedly keen to land Kylian Mbappe from PSG if he completes a massive £5billion takeover of Manchester United from the Glazer family owners
Manchester United could be forced to sell several current squad members to finance the summer’s potential business – with a reported maximum transfer budget of just £100million
Mail Sport has made a potential United line-up for 2023-24 if the Qatari takeover goes ahead
United’s defence require urgent attention in the previous window, and the addition of Martinez to the back four has provided much needed stability and tenacity at the heart of the defensive unit.
The Argentine World Cup winner has formed a superb, solid central defensive partnership with Raphael Varane and when both are fit, there is no questioning their credentials.
Luke Shaw remains at left back, and though there is reported interest in right backs like Denzel Dumfries of Inter Milan and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, those deals may have to wait until future transfer windows, given FFP restrictions.
As such, the back four would likely remain similar to Ten Hag’s current first-choice, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka put in at right back for his defensive solidity, compared to Diogo Dalot’s more attack-minded mentality.
Spanish goalkeeper David de Gea continues to divide opinion but has bailed the side out on many occasions this season and, provided he signs a (reduced)…