As we approach the end of the season, the talking points around Manchester United are as prevalent as ever.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe in place at Manchester United, there’s real excitement about the upcoming transfer window.
This excitement also spreads into appointments within the hierarchy as Ineos overhaul the footballing structure at the club, something which has been long awaited.
Erik ten Hag‘s side has had a tricky season so far but stands a chance of finishing on a real high with an FA Cup final and Champions League qualification both possible.
With so many talking points, we’ve caught up with Graeme Bailey from HITC Football to get the lowdown on everything going on at Old Trafford.
Dan Ashworth closing in on Manchester United switch
To date, one of the biggest stories of the Ineos era has been Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth and negotiations over his signing to become the new sporting director.
Newcastle have already placed Ashworth on gardening leave and now it’s been suggested a deal could soon be struck.
“I think we’ll see Ashworth accelerate pretty soon, I think we’ll see that one in the summer and I think he’ll be at Old Trafford before the season starts.”
Graeme also added that he can’t see the £20m being paid but an agreement will be reached somewhere as Newcastle will be keen to tie this up.
Alejandro Garnacho to Real Madrid?
Earlier this week, United fans were handed a worrying story from Spain which suggested that Real Madrid was eyeing up Alejandro Garnacho, and a meeting with Florentino Perez was imminent.
But this isn’t something worth worrying about according to Graeme as he explained.
“Not at all, no, he’s not in Real Madrid, not that he’s not clearly one of the best young players in Europe, Real Madrid are aware of him, but he’s not in their plans whatsoever. Not in Barcelona’s plans, no one is trying to get him at the moment, he’s on a long-term deal.
“That’s no disrespect to Garnacho [it’s simply just that] Madrid have Endrick coming in, they’ve got Mbappe coming in, they’ve got Vini Junior, they’ve got Rodrygo, I think United are very happy that Real Madrid are so well stocked. Possibly in two or three years but Garnacho is going nowhere for two or three years.”
On targeting youth prospects
United are being linked with loads of young players ahead of this summer, with Ratcliffe admitting he wants to sign the ‘next’ Jude Bellingham or Kylian Mbappe as opposed to the current edition.
On this, Graeme claimed that United are looking in South America for talent, as we’ve seen with various links recently.
“There’s a few I know, there are a few South Americans who they like and they’ve done work on, so it wouldn’t be surprising if some bigger names start emerging for that.”
On Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s contract and sale
With Diogo Dalot establishing himself as an undroppable member of the team this season, Aaron Wan-Bissaka could be a casualty of the summer clearout.
That being said, Graeme just can’t see Wan-Bissaka being signed and he’s explained why.
“Nobody wanted Wan-Bissaka before, I think they [United] would look at a right back, I don’t think it’s somewhere they’re prioritising, but if they get an offer for Wan-Bissaka, they’ll do it.
“But on the wages he’s on at the moment, no one is touching Wan-Bissaka. Don’t be surprised if they do extend him by two or three years, but just make it on less money.”