Manchester United ‘already deciding four key priority signings’ as Sir Jim Ratcliffe nears takeover

Manchester United have identified four key areas to strengthen as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks set to take over as owner of the Premier League giants.

The Red Devils sit fourth in the table, one point ahead of Liverpool, but have a game in hand on their rivals.

With Champions League football the aim, the Old Trafford side are set to be taken over at the end of the season and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is believed to be leading the race.

The club have already identified four key areas to improve, according to The Express, with a goalkeeper, right-back, midfielder and No 9 on the list for the summer window.

David de Gea is set to sign a new deal at Old Trafford, but the Red Devils are keen to bring in a ‘fresh goalkeeper to challenge’ for the starting spot.

Marcel Sabitzer could return to Bayern Munich at the end of his Old Trafford loan spell

Harry Kane has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford as United target a forward

Furthermore, the report states that Man United ‘are open to strengthening at right-back’, with previous links to the likes of Denzel Dumfries and Jeremie Frimpong. 

Despite Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s impressive form of late and Diogo Dalot’s good season, Erik ten Hag is still keen to bring in a right-sided defender.

United are also said to be keen on bringing in another midfield option for next season, ‘regardless of what happens with Marcel Sabitzer’.

The club are believed to be unwilling to pay the £25million valuation for the on-loan Austrian as he could return to Bayern Munich in the summer.

Finally, Ten Hag’s side are reportedly looking to sign a new stirker due to the inconsistent form of Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial.

It was previously reported that the Red Devils could look to make a bid for Harry Kane once the takeover is complete. 

However, a deal with Tottenham Hotspur could prove difficult to negotiate as Victor Osimhen has also been linked with a move to Old Trafford.