Man United plotting major summer squad rebuild – source

Manchester United are hoping their conservative approach to the January transfer window will allow them to complete a major rebuild of the playing squad in the summer, a source has told ESPN.

United signed left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce and youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal in January while allowing Marcus Rashford and Antony to leave on loan. Tyrell Malacia is also expected to seal a temporary move to PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday.

There has been criticism from supporters over the club’s reluctance to sign another attacking player despite a desperate lack of goals.

Strikers Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee have scored just five Premier League goals between them so far this season.

A source has told ESPN that United looked at various options to bolster Ruben Amorim’s attacking options, including Mathys Tel.

However, there was concern internally that any money spent would have reduced their budget for the summer window when it was more likely that players who better fit their long-term plans will be available.

United, according to an ESPN source, ended their interest in Tel because of Bayern Munich’s demand for a loan fee of around £5 million ($6.2m) with no option or obligation to make the move permanent built into the deal.

The feeling was that they were being asked to provide game time to a young player to aid his development for the benefit of Bayern.

United’s financial position is being described by insiders as “very tight” but there is hope that their approach to the January window will aid prospects of a substantial overhaul in the summer.

Victor Lindelöf and Christian Eriksen, both out of contract at the end of the season, are expected to leave on free transfers. United will also attempt to remove Casemiro’s large salary from their wage bill with a permanent move.

A source has told ESPN that Sporting CP’s Geovany Quenda is one of the summer targets. The 17-year-old has a release clause of €100m ($103m) but there is a belief that Amorim’s former club will be willing to negotiate a fee closer to €60m.