Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS Group have grabbed the bull by the horns behind the scenes at Old Trafford in the few weeks since their £1.25billion investment was rubber-stamped by the Premier League. However, further important decisions which await are dependent on what happens out of hand.. An underwhelming season means United are playing catch up for Champions League qualification, but fifth place might well be good enough to make it through to the marquee European competition. Recruitment is probably dependent on it, no matter how much pulling power Old Trafford has.. United have splashed out £400million-plus since Erik ten Hag was appointed coming up two years ago. They have been among the worst spenders in football for a decade now and – among many other things – INEOS will need to make huge strides in the market to atone for past errors.. ALSO READ: United star has unexpectedly been handed new role. ALSO READ: Dream weekend for United on Premier League return. Regrettably, that means another significant outlay is needed. The catalyst for change behind the scenes has come, with Sir Dave Brailsford and Omar Berrada among those on board – not to mention Dan Ashworth on-radar – while top-four success or failure will govern what might (or might not) be possible when it comes to transfer deals in the short-term before INEOS is properly established at the helm.. But would-be restrictions – or practicality – should not stop United from dreaming! Exactly who or what Ten Hag – if he stays put as manager – will need will depend on the budget and outgoings as United provisionally set their sights on a new full-back and centre-back, another defensive-minded midfielder and an attacking option to provide cover and competition for Rasmus Hojlund.. It was the Denmark striker who, effectively, was chosen to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the club flirting with a move for Harry Kane or Victor Osimhen instead. Fast forward 12 months, Osimhen is, yet again, in demand and so too Brentford talisman Ivan Toney amid ongoing whispers linking him with Arsenal and Chelsea.. Toney will cost a pretty penny for almost-guaranteed Premier League goals. However, as two London-based sides try desperately to land a reliable focal point, there are simultaneous reports United have one eye on the Brentford striker, too, to give them options in attacking quarters. Even with a eye-watering price tag, signing him ahead of two rivals could really be a steal.. Bundesliga champions elect Bayer Leverkusen have been the fairytale in Europe this season with Xabi Alonso and his against-all-odds group holding off the mighty Bayern Munich – remaining unbeaten in all competitions and ever closer to getting their hands on a first ever domestic crown. The season might also end with European glory as they have made it through to the Europa League quarter-finals, as well.. Jeremie Frimpong and Edmond Tapsoba need no introduction and interest from United has been long-standing. As is the case with many teammates, their stock has risen immeasurably this season – and The Manchester Evening News understands it could take £100million to prise the highly-rated duo away from The BayArena.. A price worth paying? If they help take United to the next level, that answer is a resounding yes.. If you can’t beat them, join them, as the saying goes. Bayern superstar Joshua Kimmich will be sick of the sight of Frimpong, Tapsoba and Leverkusen teammates, but with question marks over his future at the Allianz Arena, there is scope for United and other European giants to come calling.. Kimmich is regarded as one of the best holding midfielders on the planet and, should Casemiro leave, there would be a place open for him alongside the irresistible Kobbie Mainoo in their engine room. The great (and good) should be taking note as Kimmich prepares to enter the final 12 months of his contract.. As such, a would-be transfer fee is not the main sticking point, more who else will be in the market for his services on the proviso he does seek out a new challenge. Kimmich, at 29, has plenty left to offer at the elite level and there might be no better mentor or partner to help Mainoo in his development.. After a decade-long nightmare in the market – with one or two exceptions – the dream for United could become a reality if they are as proactive on the pitch under INEOS as they have been in the boardroom.. Try MUFC Pro NOW for free. Subscribe to our brilliant app for the best way to enjoy the M.E.N’s unrivalled Manchester United coverage.. No adverts, pop-ups or distractions – just our brilliant content presented in the best way possible.. 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