Man Utd transfer plans UNCOVERED as Solskjaer, Woodward plot drastic Old Trafford overhaul

MANCHESTER UNITED have conceded the need to give their squad a bigger than expected summer shake up after losing further ground in the race for a top four finish.

Posted Friday, April 05, 2019 by Express.co.uk

Both new manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and executive vice chairman Ed Woodward had originally intended to stick to a "three in, three out" summer window.

But with evidence mounting that the current squad is not fit for purpose to meet ambitious targets, the board are ready to sanction a bigger overhaul than had originally been planned.

The futures of several players already look settled with Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia all looking likely to leave Manchester United in the summer.

Ander Herrera, 29, and Juan Mata, 30, are also both out of contract this summer with the former looking likely to depart to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer and the latter exploring the possibility of doing likewise to Barcelona.

Longer term, United’s board are looking to move towards the model used by local rivals Manchester City in tying up their star names on longer term deals well before the end of their contracts.

Luke Shaw, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Anthony Martial have signed long-term deals while Ashley Young put pen to paper on a year-long extension which will keep him at Old Trafford until next summer.

Marcus Rashford, who is also contracted until next summer, Paul Pogba (2021) and David de Gea (2020) are all at varying stages of contract talks at the moment with a view to securing longer term futures at the club.

De Gea’s representatives have been in discussions with the club for 18 months with talks having stalled over wage demands, however there is confidence at the club that the Spanish goalkeeper wants to stay.

Man Utd transfer plans UNCOVERED as Solskjaer, Woodward plot drastic Old Trafford overhaul (Image: GETTY)

Man Utd transfer plans UNCOVERED as Solskjaer, Woodward plot drastic Old Trafford overhaul
Man Utd transfer plans are being draw up with Matteo Darmian and Juan Mata set to leave (Image: GETTY)

Man Utd transfer plans UNCOVERED as Solskjaer, Woodward plot drastic Old Trafford overhaul
Man Utd transfer plans are being drawn up by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Image: GETTY)

Indeed, such is the belief he will eventually sign that United are relaxed about him entering the final year of his contract without a new deal in place.

Part of the problem is the high ceiling established by the wages of Alexis Sanchez who, as the Premier League’s highest paid player, is taking home £500,000 a week with basic and image rights despite barely contributing.

De Gea is understood to want parity with Sanchez but United’s offer remains some way below the forward’s take home.

The Chilean remains a problem for the club given his contract has another three seasons to run after this campaign.

Man Utd transfer plans UNCOVERED as Solskjaer, Woodward plot drastic Old Trafford overhaul
Man Utd transfer plans involve tying down Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford (Image: GETTY)

Man Utd transfer plans UNCOVERED as Solskjaer, Woodward plot drastic Old Trafford overhaul
Man Utd transfer plans are being overseen by Ed Woodward (Image: GETTY)

And while he is unlikely to volunteer to end such a lucrative contract Solskjaer will be given the final say on whether the forward, currently sidelined with a knee injury, is brought back into the heart of the side next season or left in the reserves.

With regard to incoming players, United are well aware they need defensive reinforcements with one of Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld, Raphael Varane or Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly potential targets.

Further forward United remain interested in England starlet Declan Rice from West Ham and keen to bring Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund to Old Trafford.

United are also thought to have considered a move for Ivan Rakitic, who looks set to lose his starting spot at Barcelona to new arrival Frenkie de Jong.