Sir Jim Ratcliffe prepares to axe almost half of Man United squad this summer

Big changes are coming

Ratcliffe is in charge of all footballing sides of the operations at United after completing the purchase of his 25 per cent stake in the club earlier this year.

As well as stadium redevelopments at Old Trafford, the playing squad is something that requires major surgery and the INEOS billionaire is apparently going to be making big changes.

Out with the old, in with the new

According to The Mirror, Ratcliffe will look to move on as many as 12 players - almost half of the squad - this summer.

Some of those such as Anthony Martial will leave for free upon the expiration of their contracts but many others are set to leave.

The likes of Raphael Varane and Casemiro will no doubt be in the conversation as United look to get rid of high earners and refocus their transfer policy on younger, hidden gems that they can develop into world class stars.

Jadon Sancho and Antony are also two others United want to sell on and Marcus Rashford will even be considered a sellable asset - for the right price.

Who will they look to bring in?

So many offloads would mean that players need to come in and Red Devils supposedly have six targets in mind.

Defends will be a key aspect of the recruitment policy and the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite at Everton and Bundesliga title-winning duo Edmond Tapsoba and Jeremie Frimpong will be looked at.

Wolves teammates Joao Gomes and Pedro Neto have been the stars at Gary O'Neil's side this season and would no doubt be major improvements for United. Borussia Dortmund striker Donyell Malen is another name linked to help provide support for Rasmus Hojlund.

There is a chance that United could be on the hunt for a new manager too with various outlets speculating that United will part ways with Erik ten Hag in the summer.

Thomas Tuchel has allegedly already been contacted and would be interested in taking the job after he leaves Bayern Munich in the summer.

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