Manchester United want to buy the best of British when Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes control of football operations at Old Trafford.
The petrochemicals billionaire is closing in on his £1.3billion deal to buy 25 per cent of the club from the Glazers and looks set to make some significant changes when it comes to recruitment.
As Mail Sport exclusively revealed, United will prioritise homegrown talents as part of a new strategy designed to propel them back to the pinnacle of English and European football.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, just seven of United’s major signings have been homegrown: Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James, Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount and Jonny Evans.
The new approach explains why United want to appoint a sporting director with knowledge of the domestic market, such as Paul Mitchell, Dougie Freedman or Michael Edwards.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to assume control of football operations at Manchester United
Just seven of United’s major signings since his departure are British, including Harry Maguire
The club are keen to secure the signature of Brentford’s Ivan Toney – but face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea
Marc Guehi has the potential to become a regular at the heart of the England back line
United have already been linked with the England and Brentford striker Ivan Toney, but will face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea.
They are also interested in Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi – who has impressed for England in recent appearances – but he will cost them at least £60million.
United have also been linked with England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Declan Rice in recent times before their respective moves to Bayern Munich and Arsenal.
Attention could well turn instead to the younger generation of British talent and we take a look at some of those who may appear on United’s radar in the future.
Jarrad Branthwaite
21, Everton and England under-21, centre-back
Already on United’s wishlist if some reports are to be believed, even if he recently agreed a new Everton contract through until 2027.
Valued at around £50m already, Branthwaite has been a key component of Everton’s steady improvement under Sean Dyche – before their 10-point deduction wiped out most of the gains.
The 6ft 5in defender, who came through at Carlisle United, is commanding, fast and useful from set-piece…