Manchester United’s current plight sees them positioned in eighth place within the Premier League standings following a disheartening loss last Sunday, raising concerns about their chances of securing a spot in European competitions for the upcoming season. The team has been significantly hampered by injuries to key players, compounded by tactical challenges under the leadership of manager Erik ten Hag. With the recent involvement of INEOS, significant transformations are anticipated as they prepare for the forthcoming season.
A summer overhaul is anticipated, with numerous players expected to depart, including confirmed exits such as Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial. Given United’s glaring defensive frailties and offensive struggles throughout the campaign, reinforcements across all areas of the pitch are deemed necessary for any hope of improvement.
INEOS’s interest in recruiting individuals with prior Premier League experience has led Manchester United to consider talents from Crystal Palace, including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, and Marc Guehi. The recent standout performances of Olise and Eze against United have only intensified interest in their acquisition, with Guehi also a longstanding target.
Palace’s sporting director, Dougie Freedman, known for his adeptness in nurturing young talents from the Championship, has attracted attention, with rumors suggesting former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson advocated for his recruitment. However, United’s attempts to secure Freedman’s services have yet to materialize, while they continue to pursue Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United and have appointed Jason Wilcox as technical director.
Newcastle’s potential appointment of Freedman to replace Ashworth, coupled with their interest in Palace’s trio, poses a threat to United’s aspirations. However, uncertainties loom over whether Palace would agree to sell all three players in a single transfer window.
As per Football Insider reports, Newcastle’s pursuit of Guehi, Eze, and Olise is complicated by the players’ long-term contracts and Palace’s valuation of their assets, necessitating player sales by Newcastle before any significant recruitment can occur. INEOS’s involvement adds another layer of competition, with hopes pinned on securing Olise, endorsed as the sole target approved by the new management thus far.