Arsenal

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s transfer strategy at Man Utd could be impacted by a ‘large unpaid tax bill’ at the club, according to reports.

It has been good news on the pitch for the Red Devils over the weekend with Erik ten Hag guiding his side to a 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Ten Hag had been coming under pressure in recent weeks over his side’s performances with Man Utd out of the Champions League and sitting in sixth place in the Premier League.

There have been rumours that Ratcliffe, who completed a deal to buy 25 per cent of the club from the Glazers last month, could replace Ten Hag while he also looks to overhaul the recruitment department.

Dan Ashworth is expected to lead recruitment if they can agree a compensation fee with Newcastle to release the sporting director with Ratcliffe planning a summer of change.

However, that could be severely restricted as the I newspaper reports that HMRC are ‘holding talks’ with Man Utd ‘about the amount of tax paid on arrangements with players and agents in what could hamper future transfer budgets.’

 Man Utd up to mid-table but top three still top three in the Barclays Mood Rankings

The report adds:

‘With financial regulations biting in the Premier League, if the club is forced to pay significant money to the UK tax authorities it could further hinder spending power in the upcoming transfer windows. The club do not yet know how much they may have to pay.

‘United were unable to spend liberally in January due to needing to balance the books and the outcome of discussions with HMRC, around the interpretation of rules regarding the amount of tax owed on dealings with players and their representatives, will likely impact budgets.’

One player who Man Utd have reportedly