Manchester United’s first summer under Sir Jim Ratcliffe will see a tight transfer budget due to Profit And Sustainability Rules (PSR), according to The Telegraph.
Champions League qualification will be crucial for additional spending power.
Despite Ratcliffe’s £1.03 billion investment, United’s £555 million spending spree over the past three summers and limited player sale income leave little wiggle room.
Missing the Champions League’s £40m windfall would only worsen the situation.
United’s £420m spending over the last two seasons and previous outlays before the Erik ten Hag era contributed to £215m losses over the period.
PSR restricts spending based on revenue and profitability.
The inability to raise funds in January forced United to seek loan deals for players such as Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.
Offloading players remains key, highlighting the need for a revamped recruitment team. United’s desperation to bring in savvy executives such as Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox proves the point.
United will look to recoup some funds by selling Sancho and Casemiro while letting other big earners like Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane leave.
Sources have cautioned against expecting a quick fix due to PSR limitations. “You can’t buy your way out of it,” said a source close to Ratcliffe. “Restructuring the squad is key but it’s a steady process.”
United’s Champions League fate and recruitment overhaul will define their ability to compete in the transfer market under Ratcliffe. They need smart acquisitions and must bring in funds from player sales moving forward.
United will be desperate to secure Champions League football next season. They are in sixth place, five points behind Aston Villa in fourth.
Securing Champions League football could be pivotal in Ten Hag keeping his job beyond this summer and how much United have to spend in the transfer market.
