Man United fail in Chelsea transfer 'hijack' as new Ineos reality laid bare amid Ten Hag review

Manchester United have failed in a last-minute effort to hijack Tosin Adarabioyo's transfer to Chelsea, it is claimed.

The Fulham centre-back will become a free agent when his contract at the West London club expires on June 30. Adarabioyo is set to become Enzo Maresca's first signing at Stamford Bridge after reported interest from both United and Newcastle.

United are looking to sign two new centre-backs this summer ahead of Raphael Varane's departure. And the Daily Mail have claimed that the Red Devils offered a last-minute 'concrete proposal' over the weekend, but the 26-year-old is set to complete a move to Chelsea instead.

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Whilst it would be easy to assume United's ongoing review of the 2023/24 season and manager Erik ten Hag's position has slowed down any potential transfer business, that shouldn't be the case.

Ineos' new structure of football operations at Old Trafford includes Jason Wilcox as technical director and Jean Claude Blanc as acting CEO until Omar Berrada's arrival from gardening level in mid-July. Dan Ashworth is also expected to join as director of football with United currently negotiating with Newcastle over a compensation package.

United's approach to the summer transfer window will have radically changed from previous years. The new structure will mean that decisions on any potential new signings will not be affected by who the manager is.

Whether Ten Hag remains at the club or a replacement is appointed, the manager's influence will no longer be crucial regarding who is signed by