The Spanish club quoted United £75m for a player, but the Red Devils refused to pay the fee. The club’s boss was frustrated but moved on.
However, they also failed to secure other top targets, such as former Tottenham forward Kane. United decided not to pay the asking price, and Kane moved to Bayern Munich, where he has been successful.
United is cautious of breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations, especially after seeing Everton deducted 10 points for exceeding permitted losses. Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is set for talks with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, seeking assurances that the team will remain competitive in the transfer market under the minority control of INEOS.
INEOS, a petrochemicals giant, is set to take control of the sporting department at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe’s bid of £1.4bn for 25 per-cent shares in United has been accepted by the club’s board.
The team spent over £200m in the first summer under INEOS’ control on new players. Ten Hag’s contract runs until 2025, and he is admired in the Bundesliga.
United reportedly has an option to extend his deal by an extra year. He has a house on the border of Germany and could be a candidate to replace Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen if the Spaniard moves to Liverpool in the summer.