Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already named three players he wants at Man Utd but one is impossible

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already named the three players he would love to have at Manchester United, although one would be impossible.

It looks set to be a busy summer at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe overseeing his first transfer window since Ineos became minority owners of Man United.

After his investment was confirmed in February, the British billionaire announced that he and his team would commence a full audit of the club ahead of the summer, including the playing squad.

United could certainly do with a refresh in the dressing room; Erik ten Hag's side have endured an underwhelming season, and are almost certain to miss out on Champions League football next term.

There is uncertainty regarding the future of Ten Hag, with Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford unconvinced he is the manager to return United to the top of English football.

Regardless of whether the Dutchman stays or goes, Ratcliffe has already identified the types of player he would like to sign.

"I'd rather find the next [Kylian] Mbappe than spend a fortune trying to buy success," Ratcliffe told The Geraint Thomas Cycling Club Podcast in March (via Sky Sports).

"It's not that clever, is it, buying Mbappe, in a way? Anyone could figure that one out. Much more challenging is to find the next Mbappe or Jude Bellingham or the next Roy Keane.

"It's not where our focus is, the solution isn't spending a lot of money on a couple of great players. They've done that over the last 10 years.

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"The first thing we need to do is get the right people in the right boxes who are managing and organising the club and make sure we get recruitment right. It's such a vital part of running a football club today, finding new players."

United could offload six players who cost a combined £232 million in order to fund new signings.

Brazilian winger Antony could be offloaded just two years after his £86m move from Ajax, while Mason Greenwood could command a decent fee after impressing on loan at Getafe.

Amad Diallo is expected to depart after struggling for minutes under Ten Hag, while Facundo Pellistri will likely move on when he returns from his loan spell with Granada.

Jadon Sancho could be sold when his loan at Borussia Dortmund ends, although he could be handed a second chance at Old Trafford if Ten Hag is dismissed.

Anthony Martial won't fetch a fee when he leaves upon the expiration of his contract, but his departure will knock a significant chunk off the wage bill.

Topics: Manchester United, Transfer News, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Erik Ten Hag, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Roy Keane

Alex Brotherton

Alex Brotherton is a Sports Trends Writer at SPORTbible. He has previously worked with publications including the Manchester Evening News, GOAL and BBC Sport. He is a football fanatic, but also dabbles in tennis and American football. He enjoys running, cooking and watching non-league football.

@alex_brotherton