- Ratcliffe has identified improving recruitment as his key priority at Man United
- Man United are expected to be busy this summer as financial restrictions ease
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to sanction a significant transfer spend at Manchester United this summer with the club’s financial restrictions easing and a number of player sales planned.
The INEOS owner identified improving recruitment as his key priority after completing his £1.2billion investment in an interview with Mail Sport yesterday, and a busy summer is expected at Old Trafford, with United no longer in danger of breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules [PSR].
United were unable to sign any new players during the January transfer window due to PSR restrictions, but whilst remaining mindful of the limits the club will have more room for manoeuvre when the accounting period resets on 1 July.
Under PSR rules Premier League clubs are only permitted losses of £105million over a three-year period, leaving United with little leeway last month after spending over £500m on new players over the last three seasons.
United’s annual income has risen considerably from £477m to £648m over the same period however, giving them more cash to spend this summer.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to sanction significant transfer spending at Man United this summer
Man United’s finances will be eased with Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane’s deals ending
Jadon Sancho is among the loanees Man United are seeking to cash in on during the summer
An analysis of United’s recent accounts indicates the club will have a buffer of around £40m this summer without risking a PSR breach, a figure which is worth far more in the transfer market, as for accounting purposes fees and wages are amortised over the length of player contracts.
While the players targeted will be partially dependent on outgoings this summer United’s priorities at this stage are believed to be a centre-forward, central midfield player and…