Man Utd handed shockingly small transfer budget for INEOS’ first window

Manchester United may be forced to find other ways to raise money this summer after being handed a mere £35m transfer budget, a report has revealed.

The club are expected to continue their squad rebuild following a disappointing 2023/24 campaign under Erik ten Hag, during which the team recorded their worst-ever Premier League finish of eighth.

It looks as if they will first have to sell if they plan to spend big, with their slim budget now revealed by the Daily Mail.

It was recently reported that United would listen to offers for almost all of their first team squad during the upcoming summer transfer window, with just three players – Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – off limits, although Ten Hag did label the speculation “total crap“.

However, they may have to entertain offers for a number of players if they are to raise the money needed to continue their lavish spending.

One area they will be keen to build in is defence, with Ten Hag forced to consistently rotate his backline due to regular injuries and slim choices. They have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Nice’s Jean-Clair Tobido, among others, but will first half to clear out existing players if they are to make official approaches.

It is thought that 36-year-old Jonny Evans, who has emerged an unlikely hero among the Old Trafford squad, will leave the club this summer, with fellow centre-back Raphael Varane already confirming his exit.

United are also set to lose Anthony Martial after a nine-year stint with the club and Sofyan Amrabat looks on track to return to his parent club Fiorentina after a poor loan spell.

Crystal Palace midfielder Michael Olise is on the radar, as is Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, but United’s £35m budget would not be enough to sign either player, let alone both.

Question marks still loom over Ten Hag, but the club may be forced to lose a lot more than their manager if they are to succeed next season.