Manchester United rebuild could end hopes of signing top transfer targets

Manchester United can't underestimate the enormity of the task they face at the end of the season, as they enter another pivotal summer that will shape the next few years of the club. Mind you, we've been saying that every year for almost a decade now.

Ralf Rangnick grabbed the headlines earlier this week by suggesting as many as 10 new players might be needed this summer — a recruitment challenge some supporters would even find difficult to execute on videogames.

United are in need of new faces as the squad stands at the moment, never mind when six players leave for free upon expiry of their contracts this season. Plus, another few will push for permanent exits in order to rejuvenate their careers.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag must get rid of 15 Manchester United players in summer transfer window

Overhauling their squad to such a degree will be a huge test of skill for United's transfer committee, and given the time restraints, they will need to move on from their previous 'one at a time' approach, which saw them focus on completing a single deal before moving on to the next.

Another key issue for United will simply be buying enough players for their budget. Funds could be boosted by the sale of a number of fringe players this summer, and the wage budget will be healthy when high-earners like Paul Pogba leave for free, but it is still a huge ask to sign a batch of new players without a bottomless pit of money.

One report this week suggested incoming boss Erik ten Hag could be backed with as much as £200million in his first window, though the club have never spent more than £150m on permanent signings across a single transfer window.

Even if the budget is close to the £200m mark, it will be a really tough ask to make