Erik ten Hag has already got the ball rolling in terms of transfer negotiations this summer, acting quickly to avoid the staggered signings of last year that impacted their start to the season.
The Manchester United boss has spoken to Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund over a potential move, with top target Harry Kane viewed as a potentially unattainable option.
Meanwhile, United have agreed personal terms with Mason Mount, albeit a transfer fee is still being debated. Furthermore, he has already started chopping the deadwood from the squad.
Twelve-year servant Phil Jones has been released upon the end of his contract while Axel Tuanzebe and five others follow him through the exit door. It is probable that the likes of Alex Telles and Eric Bailly will be axed too.
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Ten Hag insisted last month that he could still carry out his transfer plans despite the uncertainty regarding the ongoing takeover process.
“I came in here [at the end of] last season and we talked about what can we do in the squad, what can we do in transfers,” he said. "And last year, the club confirmed they can do. So, for me, I don't think anything changed and yeah, in this summer period we can do the same."
However, the United boss has also underlined his determination to see United succeed, declaring after the FA Cup final that he will “fight” to improve the squad. He is eager to see the rebuild develop ahead of time but is being hampered by the takeover situation.
Depending on how it concludes, Ten Hag may have more money to play with towards the end of the summer than he has at the start of it.
But the cloud of uncertainty hanging over United means Ten Hag is currently somewhat hamstrung in attracting the players he wants as quickly as he wants amid a lack of clarity over his summer budget.
He pointed out in May how he is keen to get the rebuild ball rolling as quickly as possible. "You have to see how you come out of the transfer window but I think we need more,” the Dutchman said.
“I don’t have so (much) patience. That is one of my mistakes. We have to work in the summer with this squad, but also in the window see if you can strengthen the squad.
“Now we are far away, so we have a lot of work to do. We make progress in this team, in this squad, but we need better players if we want to compete for the highest.”
It sends a message to both Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Ten Hag will want backing and clarity from the off when it comes to transfers, should either win the takeover race.
The manager is already ahead of schedule with a cup and a top-four finish in the bank, as well as an FA Cup final. He will be making strides to ensure United build on a great debut season and that means recruiting new talent.
Ten Hag has clearly done a lot of early groundwork and will not want to dawdle when it comes to sanctioning transfers, especially after last year’s £85m shell-out for Antony on deadline day.
Currently, that wish is being restricted by the ambiguity of the ownership but as soon as it concludes, both bidders and the Glazers know where he stands.
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