Man Utd’s next owners face unwelcome transfer decision that may cost them in the future

Manchester United are continuing to hold talks about a possible takeover ahead of the summer transfer window.

Whether it’s Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani or Sir Jim Ratcliffe who completes a takeover of Manchester United, they will likely have to deal with a difficult transfer decision this summer with Newcastle lurking to steal a march on the Premier League giants. Erik ten Hag has earned high praise for his debut season in charge at Old Trafford, ending their six-year trophy drought in the Carabao Cup.

There’s still more chance of silverware in the Europa League as well as the FA Cup while they’ll want to solidify their place in the top four. It’s a good base for United to build on heading into next year with Ten Hag making it clear that he wants the club to be challenging for the Premier League title sooner rather than later.

Investment is expected with a marquee striker reportedly a top target along with another central midfielder. The Glazers look increasingly likely to sell the club ahead of the summer transfer window with either Sheikh Jassim or Ratcliffe set to win the race to complete a takeover.

Both parties are reportedly set to table second offers ahead of Wednesday’s deadline with the Glazers holding out for a bid in the region of £6billion. Sheikh Jassim and Ratcliffe have both promised investment into the playing squad if they’re successful in their respective bids.

But they’ll also have to keep an eye on what their rivals are doing in the transfer market – more so with who they potentially sell their fringe players to. Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal will all likely strengthen while Tottenham look set to go through a transition away from Antonio Conte.

However, Newcastle are still the anomaly in the mix toward the top of the Premier League with huge aspirations to soon join the battle for the title. There’s long been trepidation in selling players to direct rivals in the Premier League and Newcastle’s rise as the new powerhouse in English football creates a difficult scenario for United.

Scott McTominay’s minutes have diminished this season with the Scotland international falling down the pecking order. Newcastle are said to be one of the teams interested in signing the 26-year-old with Eddie Howe in desperate need of bolstering his midfield ranks.

But, by selling McTominay to Newcastle, United will be directly helping their Premier League rivals. The issue for United will be that they’ll want to get the best fee possible for McTominay if it’s decided he will be made available for a sale and Newcastle will be one of a few clubs who are capable of tabling an enticing offer.

While McTominay may not be in Ten Hag’s immediate plans, he’s exactly the type of player Howe’s squad is screaming out for in midfield. Harry Maguire is also said to be on Newcastle’s watchlist with the England international struggling for regular minutes this season.

Most of the focus may be on who United bring into the club if a full takeover is completed before the summer transfer window. But the main priority may end up being who they end up selling their fringe players to in the summer to try and avoid helping a direct rival such as Newcastle.