Improvements were made under Ruben Amorim, despite what the naysayers may tell you.
But Manchester United sealing Champions League qualification with three games to spare was not in the vernacular around Old Trafford just a few short months ago.
Michael Carrick has achieved remarkable things in a short time, justifying the bold decision to relieve Amorim of his duties in January. Now, the real restoration project can begin.
This summer has long been targeted as the one when key deficiencies in the team will be addressed.
United’s previously flawed, scattergun transfer policy has become a thing of the past, with Ineos enjoying more success in less than two years than anyone managed in the previous decade combined.
The wheels are already in motion to capitalise on this sleeping giant’s return to the global stage, on and off the pitch.
How much is the Champions League return actually worth?
“£80m, but that is only the base amount,” is how one senior insider describes the funds heading United’s way. They would achieve this in income from Uefa alone, should they reach the last eight of next year’s competition – a fair target, given the diluted quality of the competition in the early knockout rounds.
Additional matchday revenue from a minimum of four group games will see them bring in upwards of £30m. That does not include supporters from across the continent attending matches and spending mega-money in the megastore. The pound signs are lighting up in the club’s boardroom, given United are set to end up in pot two or three in the Champions League draw, guaranteeing them two games against elite, non-English opponents: Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona or Inter Milan.
Brand United is back, with new sponsors expected to line up. A season of only domestic responsibilities meant United were unable to secure a training kit sponsor for this season, but it is understood there is already one agreed for next term, with betting company Betway ready to pledge around £18m per year.
They aren’t done yet. The i Paper has been told that a new shirt sleeve sponsor will be sought next, and that is likely to be in place for the start of the new campaign.
A decent showing back at Europe’s top table could more optimistically see Champions League revenue surpass the £150m mark.
Spend, spend, spend on transfers?
No, not quite. Just because the money is there doesn’t mean Ineos plans to undo its previously well-constructed transfer business.
“We said this from the start,” a source close to the United hierarchy tells The i Paper. “We wanted the right people in place on the data and recruitment side in order to achieve more success in the transfer market.
“We feel we have had five or six hits early on. Let’s not undo all that good work by spending £120m on Elliot Anderson.”
The i Paper has been reporting for several months that there could be up to three midfielders coming in this summer. One, big-money marquee signing will be sought, one other top-level midfielder for slightly less and then a younger, cheaper option.
Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali is someone several sources have distanced themselves from, again over the fee. Brighton’s Carlos Baleba remains a top pick, as does Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton. As it stands, Baleba is seen as the target who represents the best value for money.
West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is another key target. Premier League experience is a real plus point for the United recruitment team, given the success of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this season. Atalanta’s Ederson also falls into that more affordable bracket. Wolves’ Mateus Mane is a younger option.
Left-back, left wing and centre-back are other areas the club are looking at strengthening. Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly and Newcastle United left-back Lewis Hall are two other Premier League targets, while Sporting Lisbon left-back Maxi Araujo has been mentioned. Forest’s Murillo is a centre-back the club admire, while, further forward, Ajax’s Mika Godts and RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande are being considered. Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers may be priced out of a move.
Player sales of Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee could further boost the transfer coffers. Either way, eclipsing last year’s summer spend of £240m is a “near certainty,” a senior source insists.
Does Carrick now get the job?
Carrick is the frontrunner to get the job, with a well-placed source adding that he would be “astounded” if the interim boss were not to get the job permanently.
Senior figures have been keen to stress, however, that they wanted to get to a “position of strength”, i.e. back in the Champions League, before formalising any pursuits of potential next managers.
Most senior figures are sold on Carrick, given no other Premier League team has achieved as many points as United since the 44-year-old took over. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not completely convinced Carrick has the personality to lead from the front.
A Champions League return opens up a wealth of options. Luis Enrique is a dream target, but a new contract at PSG is in the offing. Andoni Iraola is another top pick, though doubts persist over whether he will be in over his head at United, just as Amorim was.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is a name who keeps getting mentioned, but the World Cup could be a sticking point – United ideally want someone in before the end of the tournament.
The i Paper has been told that with Champions League football secured, the process will now ramp up. As it stands, no options have been approached as yet.
