Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United has become a more desirable destination for players compared to when he took over as head coach last summer.
"There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players and now many players see the project, what's going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project, the quality especially,” the Dutchman said last weekend. “They are really keen to come, I've noticed that.”
The likely return of Champions League football next season helps in that regard. And yet there remains an elephant in the room that could well prohibit Ten Hag’s squad from being formed exactly how he wants it next season: the potential takeover.
It continues to move at a snail’s pace, despite strong indications that the bid fronted by Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe will this week be given a period of exclusivity to thrash out a deal with the Glazer family, and that is causing a degree of uncertainty when it comes to recruitment.
Ten Hag has outlined two priorities: a centre forward and goalkeeper. While Marcus Rashford has stepped up when it comes to goalscoring this season, a natural No9 is desired and Harry Kane is among those under consideration. David de Gea, meanwhile, could end up remaining at the club - but even if the current No1 remains there is a desire for additional competition.
Yet following through on those plans once the transfer window opens on June 13 is significantly complicated by the off-field flux. Even if a decision to sell a majority stake to Ratcliffe is made in the next couple of weeks, the sale process could still take a number of months to reach completion.
Last year’s sale of Chelsea to an American group fronted by Todd Boehly should not be used as a reference point owing to the exceptional circumstances around the club being placed under government sanctions.
A number of Premier League managers have confirmed that their clubs have firm plans in place in advance of the transfer window, ready to mobilise once permitted. Brentford’s Thomas Frank said that their strategy began forming three months ago, while David Moyes said that there are different scenarios in place at West Ham depending on whether Declan Rice remains or departs.
The England midfielder is expected to head to Arsenal, who have already got the wheels in motion around their plans following a disappointing end to their title hopes. United have also been eyeing the 24-year-old but Arsenal are the frontrunners to complete a deal that could be worth more than £100m.
United, however, will be in limbo until it is confirmed who the owner will be come August’s kick off. Questions remain over how much money will be available to spend in the window, while prospective new signings may be reluctant to commit until they are sure of what direction the club is heading in beyond the short-term.
