The new transfer strategy Manchester United manager must work with

Manchester United's manager will have less influence over transfer decisions as part of the club's new strategy going forward.

The Ineos Group are looking to overhaul the club's transfer strategy by appointing a best-in-class recruitment team, who will wield the most power when it comes to deciding who to sign. Erik ten Hag has been criticised for his transfer policy at United, with a preference for players he knew from Dutch football as well as clients of the SEG agency he is represented by. He has had a large say in their recruitment during his time at the club, power that will be taken away from him if he remains in the job.

It means that while the United manager will be asked which areas of the team they would like to strengthen, the recruitment team will be tasked with creating a shortlist of candidates, from which the first-team coach will be asked for their preference. While deciding who the manager should be next season is still hugely important, Ineos aim to sign players for the club rather than the manager, to ensure they are future-proofed to fit in, irrespective of who leads the team on a daily basis.

The long-term plan is for Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox to take control of the club's recruitment plans going forward, but Matt Hargreaves will step into the role amid the ongoing pursuit of a new sporting director. Ashworth remains United's only choice for the role, but he remains on gardening leave at Newcastle and is not expected to be involved in recruitment this summer.

As part of the new transfer strategy, there is a desire to target homegrown young talent, with a preference for those who already have Premier League experience, as well as those who are British. It is understood players who have one or two years of Premier League experience are seen as ideal.

United are also looking to become more savvy with their spending and are hoping to save money by targeting players who are already in the final year of their contract, or who are soon to become free agents.

ManchesterWorld understand Everton duo Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana are both being considered, as well as Crystal Palace ace Michael Olise and Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo. Marc Guehi, Max Killman and Pedro Neto are also admired, while the club have a long-term interest in Brighton striker Evan Ferguson.

As well as an overhaul at senior level, United are also looking to save millions by signing highly-rated teenagers from their domestic rivals, who they could then develop into first-team players. Under new Brexit rules, clubs are not allowed to sign foreign players until they are 18, while all new signings from European Union nations require a work permit that is allocated on a points-based system. These rule changes have also led to heavy focus on signing players from South America.

United are keeping tabs on Port Vale forward Baylee Dipepa, Blackburn striker Igor Tyjon and Australian right-back James Overy as they look to identify youngsters with high-potential, while Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino is also of interest.

Speaking earlier in the year, Sir Jim Ratcliffe reiterated his desire was to sign the next Kylian Mbappe for a small price, rather than spend a club-record fee on a proven superstar. “I would rather sign the next Mbappe rather than spend a fortune buying success," he told Geraint Thomas' Cycling Club podcast. "It’s not that clever buying Mbappe. Anyone could figure that one out. More challenging is to find the next Mbappe or next Jude Bellingham or next Roy Keane.”