Marcus Rashford leaves and five stars snub moves – Man Utd's nightmare transfer window

Manchester United are making bold plans for the summer transfer window. INEOS have pieced together the final parts of their sporting structure and reports claim that personal terms have been agreed with talented Netherlands defender Matthijs de Ligt.

Erik ten Hag can only hope that it all comes to pass. The United head coach, who has been retained by the club’s owners despite an underwhelming Premier League and Champions League campaign, will know that his job hinges on a strong start to the season. An excellent transfer window can help him achieve that aim.

So United must first resolve Marcus Rashford’s future. One bad season cannot define a player who scored 30 goals the previous year. While the England international may benefit from a change of scenery, with Paris Saint-Germain strongly linked, he remains the Red Devils’ best attacker when on form.

Rumours of a rift between Rashford and Ten Hag must be quelled. The Dutch head coach got the best out of the 26-year-old and must begin to do so again.

Meanwhile, United are widely expected to conduct surgery on their defence. Raphael Varane has departed, while a move for De Ligt is reportedly close. MEN report that United must now agree a fee with Bayern Munich for the 24-year-old, who is valued at £42m.

But De Ligt may not be the only defensive addition. United are widely reported to have made a second bid for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, having already seen a £35million proposal turned down.

Branthwaite, though, may see the host of defenders who represent competition at Old Trafford and decide against the transfer. The 21-year-old may also feel that another positive season with Everton could drive better offers from other clubs in 12 months’ time.

United will have a serious issue, too, if fellow targets Amadou Onana, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee reject moves to Manchester. Onana, who plays with Branthwaite at Everton, is one of few excellent defensive midfielders who could be available on the market this summer.

Onana shone for Belgium at Euro 2024 but, like Branthwaite, may have better offers from clubs competing in the Champions League. Fabrizio Romano reported that United have had a bid accepted for Lille defender Leny Yoro. However, it is claimed that the French teenager prefers the possibility of moving to Real Madrid.

United are widely reported to be keen on Bologna attacker Zirkzee. Ten Hag needs to upgrade his forward line and failing to sign the Dutch former Bayern Munich star would be another major blow.

The Red Devils also need players to depart to raise funds for a busy summer. Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho are expected to depart. Shifting fellow winger Antony, who has underperformed since his £86m move from Ajax, may also be beneficial.

But the Brazilian may feel that he has the best possible deal at United and could decide against moving on. It would be a blow for United’s pursuit of other targets if fringe stars such as Antony do not leave.

Ten Hag must avoid a nightmare transfer window if he is to turn around United’s fortunes.