Manchester United could sign these NINE players if Omar Berrada transfer reports are believed

Former Manchester City chief Omar Berrada, who will be joining Manchester United in 2024
Former Manchester City chief Omar Berrada, who will be joining Manchester United in 2024 -Credit:Amazon Prime Video


Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window that will see a major revamp of their underperforming squad.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have taken over football operations at Old Trafford after their arrival in February. Ratcliffe has already begun looking at all manners behind the scenes, with cost-cutting in some areas having already begun.

United have appointed Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City, and he is due to start work in July after his period of gardening leave has expired. They are still in negotiations with Newcastle United over sporting director Dan Ashworth, but Jason Wilcox has already joined the club, and has been in regular dialogue with manager Erik ten Hag as he carries out an audit.

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Berrada's influence will be keenly felt when he officially joins as chief executive on July 13, and the Manchester Evening News reported last month that he has already started driving change at Old Trafford. He was the first key appointment made by the Ineos Group, with Ratcliffe saying: "We had a very grown-up conversation with Manchester City about Omar. They were very, very disappointed in Omar's decision."

Berrada's job will not be to tell the club how to spend their money or which players to target, but he will be in charge of enforcing their negotiating power and ensuring that United do not overpay for players. It will likely be up to him to evaluate the value of a prospective new signing and ensure that United stick to their principles and are not taken advantage of by overpaying for individuals.

The MEN revealed that only four players are not for sale, with three core signings required - a centre back, a central midfielder and a forward to enhance the starting team - with any other additions dependent on outgoings as the squad is rebuilt.

With several players set to leave this summer, it could be a busy time for Berrada and Wilcox, the club's new technical director. One look at the volume of transfer links doing the rounds shows the challenges they face.

Here we round up the main transfer links and look at the odds of United bringing them into Old Trafford this summer.

Jarrad Branthwaite

The Everton defender is a firm target for United. He's been scouted heavily as he continues his emergence and with United actively looking for a centre half this summer, he's one of the men high on the shopping list. SkyBet have his odds at 5/6 to move to Old Trafford this summer. He could cost £75m which may be a stumbling block as Berrada looks for value for money but Everton chiefs have confirmed they need to sell players this summer so he could come cheaper.

Gleison Bremer

Another centre half who the Manchester Evening News confirmed is on the radar. The Juventus stopper has had an excellent season, is good in the air and is physically fit and imposing. A strong candidate.

Joao Neves

The 19-year-old defensive midfielder has been linked with United for months. Benfica put out a statement in January saying they weren't in negotiations over selling him to United, but the club are still understood to be interested in him. With a release clause of £86million, it would be a huge expense, but they need a replacement for Casemiro this summer.

Bruno Guimarães

His tears at full-time at Newcastle United's game on Saturday got Toon fans worrying that he may have played his last game in black and white at St James's Park. The midfielder is dynamic either as a No.6 or No.8 and has plenty of suitors, including City, Arsenal and PSG, with a £100m release clause which can be activated in June. SkyBet have him at 12/1 to sign for United.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

The Leicester City midfielder has had a fantastic season with the Foxes, helping them back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Despite their promotion, Leicester still have a few financial difficulties and could be forced to cash in on their biggest asset. Dewsbury-Hall is priced at 6/1 with SkyBet to join United this summer.

Michael Olise

Absolutely tore United apart last Monday night at Selhurst Park. Two goals and a dazzling performance on the right side of Palace's potent three-man attack. Has been long linked with a move to United and is believed to have a release clause in his contract of between £50m-£60m. Produced another stunning performance yesterday to give a reminder of his talents. SkyBet have him almost nailed on at 11/10 to join United.

Pedro Neto

A bit more of a wildcard, Neto has had a great season with Wolves but doubts remain over his fitness record. Hamstring injuries have plagued the forward, but he's certainly someone being watched by a number of Premier League clubs including Arsenal and Newcastle, who were recommended him by Dan Ashworth. He's 9/2 with SkyBet to sign for Man United.

Edmond Tapsoba

Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba, along with right-back Jeremie Frimpong, has been shortlisted as a potential defensive reinforcement by United. Leverkusen are unbeaten in all competitions this season, having romped to the Bundesliga title, and 25-year-old centre-back Tapsoba has been a key part of the meanest defence in the German top flight. He remains a strong contender to help shore up United's defence.

Joshua Zirkzee

With the ineffective Anthony Martial finally set to leave Old Trafford this summer, United may need a central striker to add competition to the youthful Rasmus Hojlund. Ivan Toney is set to leave Brentford after Euro 2024, and is 13/2 with Paddy Power to join United. However, he comes with a hefty price tag, so United may be forced to look elsewhere with links to Bologna's former Bayern Munich forward Joshua Zirkzee, who has had an outstanding breakthrough season in Serie A and is also attracting attention from Arsenal and Juventus.