Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite (Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Manchester United will enter the summer transfer window, regardless of whether they win the Europa League or not, knowing they have to make significant changes to their squad.
United have been, at best, fine and, at worst, atrocious this season with their form in the Premier League particularly substandard. Now as the campaign finally draws to an end, reports surrounding the Reds' plans for the summer are beginning to emerge.
MEN Sport explained this week that United are looking to part ways with at least ten players this summer to fund their summer transfer plans under Ruben Amorim. In our latest look at the headlines from elsewhere, we examine the reported plan to sign one player while interest mounts for one of the club's academy graduates.
United's controversial plan to sign Branthwaite
In the summer, United were keen to bring Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite to Old Trafford but the Merseyside club stood firm and the Reds brought in Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt instead. Despite signing Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in January, Amorim is thought to be keen on renewing United's interest in Branthwaite.
According to TeamTalk, United are so keen on a move for Branthwaite that they are willing to sell Harry Maguire to make room for his fellow countryman. It is thought United want to get Maguire's high wages off their books but are currently finding it difficult to find potential suitors for him.
What MEN Sport says: Maguire will forever be a marmite character among the fanbase following his spell as captain but since being replaced by Bruno Fernandes he has improved. Whether now is the right time to cash in on Maguire is up for debate but selling when his stock is high, is a wise strategy.
The matter of wages is also a big issue and you have to wonder whether United will have to come to some arrangement with Maguire and potentially other players to get them off the books.
Irresponsible spending on player wages has left United in a real hole and you feel Ineos will have to make some tough decisions to rectify those errors.
Mainoo interest mounts
Kobbie Mainoo faces an uncertain future at Manchester United (Image: Offside via Getty Images)
According to Calciomercato, Inter are keeping a close eye on Kobbie Mainoo's status at Old Trafford after admissions in recent months about the financial situation at United. Mainoo remains one of the key prospects at United but the lure of selling him for pure profit could be a consideration for the Reds in the summer transfer window.
It is thought the Milan club are keen on Mainoo and are keeping a close eye on whether the door is open for him to leave Old Trafford or not.
What MEN Sport says: United currently do not want to sell Mainoo but you worry that if the financial situation is as bad as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made out, then the Reds may have little choice but to cash in. If he was to leave for Inter or another top club, you have to feel it would be a mistake considering his talents.
It is sometimes easy to forget considering the maturity by which he plays, but Mainoo is still only 19 and could get even better as time goes on. United have missed his energy in midfield at times and you have to think that selling him would be the last resort for the club.
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