Manchester United fans are expecting a big summer of change as Ineos start their new era at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to change the culture at United and nobody is safe right now.
Having seen a new CEO and new technical director arrive, Erik ten Hag may well be looking over his shoulder – especially after a disappointing season to date.
United could still end the season with an FA Cup trophy win but Ten Hag has overseen a major drop from third place last season to having no chance of Champions League action.
United may even miss out on European action altogether after Monday’s 4-0 thrashing at the hands of Crystal Palace.
Ratcliffe and Ineos will not be impressed amid their quest to get United back to the top; Ratcliffe has even moved to end a work-from-home culture at United.
No stone is being left unturned but it looks like Ineos are about to miss out on a potential addition to the recruitment setup.
Newcastle United move in for Dougie Freedman
United have brought in Jason Wilcox as technical director with Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth expected to arrive as sporting director at some point.
A head of recruitment is also thought to be a priority for Ineos but a key target for that role could be going elsewhere.
Reports in March suggested that Ineos would be approaching Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman to become United’s new head of recruitment.
The Scot had been picked out as a key target for United and Sir Alex Ferguson was allegedly supporting the deal.
The hope was that Freedman would be heading to Old Trafford to form a new-look recruitment team at United.
However, Fabrizio Romano now claims that Newcastle United are ‘advancing in talks’ to appoint Freedman as their new director of football.
Romano claims that negotiations are ongoing and Freedman is the ‘frontrunner’ to take on a key role at St James’ Park.
The decision is now being left with Freedman but Newcastle appear to have focused in on him as the ideal replacement for Ashworth.
Maybe that will, in turn, help accelerate Ashworth’s move to Old Trafford amid tough negotiations with the Magpies.
United could still raid Palace
Some had wondered if United would land Freedman and then look to raid Palace.
Centre back Marc Guehi is thought to be a top target and reports in April suggested that the Eagles fear losing Guehi this summer.
United are likely to focus on homegrown signings this summer and a central defender like Guehi would certainly be welcomed.
We would make teammate Michael Olise a more likely signing though and rumours last week indicated that United are leading the race for his signature.
Olise – who scored twice against United on Monday night – could be the long-term solution on United’s right flank after years of issues there.
Missing out on Freedman won’t end United’s interest and there may even be hope that Newcastle don’t get involved in targeting the duo.
Newcastle’s spending has calmed down a little in recent times and Palace may even want Freedman to avoid raiding them as part of his exit.
United will move on to targeting other candidates for the head of recruitment role with Freedman seemingly heading elsewhere – and will keep Guehi and Olise on the wish list.