Man Utd ready to overhaul defence with four huge signings and four departures under Sir Jim Ratcliffe plan

Manchester United are ready to overhaul their defence under incoming minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, it has been claimed.

United are waiting for INEOS chief Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent investment in the club to be ratified by the Premier League and it appears they have already drawn up plans ahead of the petrochemicals billionaire’s arrival.

It has been widely reported that Ratcliffe, who will take over football operations at Old Trafford, will see his deal get the green light in February.

INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford has been involved in meetings at Carrington during the interim period, looking to make appointments in key recruitment positions. Meanwhile, football director John Murtough and manager Erik ten Hag are already said to be planning the club’s summer transfer business.

In particular, ESPN has claimed United are set for a major revamp of their defence, with three players set to leave and three tipped to replace them.

Raphael Varane's future is up in the air after claims United decided not to trigger a one-year extension in his contract. At present, the World Cup winner could leave United for free in June.

Meanwhile, Jonny Evans, who was signed as short-term cover in at the start of the season, is also out of contract. Victor Lindelöf and Harry Maguire could also allegedly leave should significant offers arrive.

Furthermore, United could reportedly look to replace the defenders with Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite, Bayern Munich's Matthijs de Ligt and Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo.

Another player the United hierarchy is said to admire is Galatasaray right-back Sacha Boey, who impressed in both Champions League clashes against Ten Hag’s men this season.

United are also reportedly paying particular attention to players who will be out of contract in June 2025, hoping to take advantage of similar situations to the one that saw Mason Mount arrive from Chelsea upon entering the last year of his contract.

Topics: Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag, Raphael Varane, Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.