Three upcoming decisions will determine Manchester United’s summer transfer window

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be eager to make his mark in his maiden summer transfer market as Manchester United co-owner.

He has, of course, already made several steps towards a change in structure. Omar Berrada’s forthcoming arrival as CEO from Manchester City showed an initial statement of intent while his plans for a revamped Old Trafford proves he is thinking about the long-term as well as the near future.

Despite becoming the second-wealthiest owner in the English pyramid upon his minority stake purchase - only behind the Saudi Public Investment Fund of Newcastle - he too is beholden to Premier League spending rules.

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Financial Fair Play is no stranger to Ratcliffe, having had to balance the books at OGC Nice since his 2019 acquisition. He will have a higher threshold to play with at United given the revenues the club generates but the possibility of missing out on Champions League football next season will still stir worry within.

Qualification is obviously not something he can directly control for the remainder of this season, with an Erik ten Hag dismissal very unlikely before then. However, Ratcliffe and INEOS will start to be scrutinised more closely this summer, by which time three decisions will have had to be made.

The first of which is brokering a deal for Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth. United are adamant that they will not pay the £20 million compensation fee demanded by the Magpies, who paid Brighton less than £4m for him two years ago.

Ashworth is currently on gardening leave after telling the club