Manchester United could be set for £284m FFP boost after brutal Sir Jim Ratcliffe decision

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to adopt an unapologetic ruthlessness in his maiden summer transfer at Old Trafford as he attempts to haul Manchester United back to the top echelons of the game.

United are as beholden to Premier League Profit & Sustainability Rules as any other top-flight club despite the billion-bumper wealth INEOS brings. Fortunately for fans, Ratcliffe’s biggest asset is more his business acumen than his wallet.

Transfer funding has never been the ultimate problem under the Glazers, but rather who they have appointed to oversee spending. United have splashed around £400m over the last two years yet few fans would say Erik ten Hag boasts a world class squad.

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To combat Financial Fair Play constraints amid the misspending of the previous regime, Ratcliffe is set to go on a chopping spree within the squad that will not just see deadwood turfed out but also those whose value will only diminish from here on in.

The Manchester Evening News understands that sales could rise to double figures by deadline day. INEOS has already outlined several sellable assets while the futures of others remain unclear.

As things stand, Raphael Varane, Tom Heaton and Anthony Martial are set to leave this summer upon the end of their contracts. Meanwhile, out-of-house loanees Donny Van de Beek, Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez all have option-to-buy clauses that total a combined £34m.

Spain-loaned duo Mason Greenwood and Facundo Pellistri, whose contracts last until 2025, could also be sold. The pair could fetch around £25m