Managing Man United - Casemiro gone, Branthwaite signs and 18 month transfer issue solved

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been entrusted to steer the club forward next season after INEOS' season review concluded.

It has been a disruptive couple of weeks for the Reds but it ultimately feels like the correct decision has been made. There is a severe lack of managers who would be noticeably better than Ten Hag and another summer of disruption is the last thing United need.

But now that the dust is beginning to settle on the season review saga, the focus must now turn to the summer transfer window and having lost a fortnight already, Ten Hag will be looking to act fast. Here is what MEN Sport expects the Dutchman to do next at Old Trafford.

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Casemiro gone

Ultimately there will be a few players that United will want to sell in the summer transfer window but one that will be at the top of Ten Hag's list will be Casemiro. The Dutchman did sign the former Real Madrid man but he will be aware that the Brazilian's performances were not up to the standard needed this season.

A move to Saudi Arabia seems the most likely option at this stage with a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo high on both players' wishlist. But the question will come as to whether or not the likes of Al Nassr or Al Ahli will be open to paying a good fee to capture the defensive midfielder.

Branthwaite signs

Over the weekend it became clear that Jarrad Branthwaite is on United's radar and the Reds are becoming confident they will sign him. MEN Sport understands Ratcliffe and Co. do not want to be held to ransom over a price tag for the Englishman but if they want to add him to the squad they may have to pay around £75m.

At his age, the Toffees' centre-back could be the ideal future investment and fits the bill for what INEOS wants the club to be doing. He would also fill the gap left behind by Raphael Varane and offer good competition for Harry Maguire in the battle to partner Lisandro Martinez.

18-month issue solved

When Ronaldo left in November 2022 few would have thought it would take until the summer of 2024 to finally solve the issue of replacing him. Wout Weghorst's signature was a stop-gap and the decision to only bring Rasmus Hojlund in when Anthony Martial was firmly out of favour was unwise.

Now, United must sign one if not two centre-forwards to strengthen their squad. Who they will be is up for debate at this stage but Brentford's Ivan Toney could appeal to United, especially if he performs well at the European Championships.