Sir Jim Ratcliffe already knows his first four Man Utd signings including 'Harry Kane level striker'

Manchester United's transfer priorities under Sir Jim Ratcliffe have been revealed after the Ineos chief's appearance at Old Trafford on Sunday.

After recently meeting with Erik ten Hag and the players, Ratcliffe watched the 2-2 draw with Spurs in the stands next to to Sir Alex Ferguson in what was his game since his proposed 25 per cent stake purchase in the club.

The British billionaire and his team will take control of football operations, with long-time owners the Glazers still leading the commercial side of the club.

Though the deal hasn't been formalised, there are already early indications for the plans Ratcliffe has for the 13-time Premier League winners.

United's transfer budget is set to be boosted by the added £1 billion investment from the 71-year-old and now a fresh report from the Evening Standard details where the Red Devils are hoping to spend the money.

Image: Getty

There are four main areas where United are looking to strengthen, with a world-class striker an absolute priority.

The club want someone on a similar level to Harry Kane, who they were heavily linked with before he signed for Bayern Munich in an £82 million summer move.

Instead United splashed out £72 million on Rasmus Hojlund, who scored just his second Premier League goal against Spurs on Sunday.

Image: Getty

United also want a central midfield player/ No.8, a centre-back and a right-back.

January will likely come too soon for an overhaul but there should be more funds available for Ten Hag in the summer window.

At centre-back, Everton's Jarrod Branthwaite and Jean-Claire Todibo of Nice, who Ratcliffe owns, have been touted as targets.

Interestingly, another name mentioned is Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.

Image: Getty

The former Reading man does not play in any of the aforementioned positions but it's claimed that talks have intensified in recent times.

There is even a suggestion that Aaron Wan-Bissaka could head back to Palace as part of a deal, though United's recruitment team are split over whether a move for Olise would be worthwhile.

He turned down a move to Chelsea in the summer and signed a new four-year deal at Selhurst Park.

Topics: Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United, Erik Ten Hag

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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