Manchester United 'monster' transfer raises uncomfortable question for Erik ten Hag's best signing

The wheels are already in motion as Manchester United look to make a real statement in their first summer transfer window under Ineos.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe might have to wait a while before he can add Dan Ashworth to his transfer panel, but they are already well aware of the areas that need reinforcing and the rough budgets that will be available to them.

United had the perfect opportunity to run their eyes over Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana at the weekend, and they won't have been put off by what they saw from their respective performances, despite it ending in defeat for them.

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A centre-back and a central midfielder will be high up on United's summer shortlist, if not the two headline targets. Branthwaite and Onana would be worthy candidates for each position at a time when the Ineos Group is looking to add proven Premier League quality to the squad.

Branthwaite, in particular, looks like an ideal addition to this United side. He is vastly experienced despite his young age, has the physicality required to excel in the Premier League, and also has the ball-playing skills needed to fit into United's current system.

He is one of only three players aged 21 or under to play over 2,000 minutes this Premier League campaign, and he has done so to an extremely high standard.

Playing for a team that doesn't enjoy much possession at the bottom end of the table, it is no surprise that Branthwaite has been able to excel at his raw defensive ability. He remains one of only three Premier League players this season to have