Manchester United have easy transfer path after Sir Jim Ratcliffe talks give green light

Manchester United's new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has impressed in the early days of his tenure.

His open and sometimes frank interviews with the media on Wednesday were received positively by supporters as the Reds' fanbase welcomed the rarety of insight from above. Reflecting on those discussions this week, Ratcliffe will have been left in no doubt about where concerns lie.

One particular topic of conversation revolved around transfers. United are in desperate need of fresh faces in the summer, perhaps more so than any of the other 'Big Six'.

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The defeat to Fulham on Saturday showcased why just a couple of injuries can derail the current squad. It is no surprise to see the rumour mill spring into life this weekend with Luton Town's Ross Barkley being linked.

A left-field target on the face of things, the 30-year-old has enjoyed a career-revitalising season at Premier League new boys Luton Town. Things had looked bleak for Barkley after a disappointing spell at OGC Nice.

It is believed the INEOS regime was surprised by Barkley's lack of minutes for the Ligue 1 club and held the midfielder in high regard. They were perhaps the only ones not to be shocked by Barkley's resurrection at Kenilworth Road.

Should United be interested in the Luton man, they will be heartened by the high regard the 30-year-old spoke of both Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford when he joined the club in 2022. Explaining his decision to join Nice, Barkley said: "I managed to speak with Dave Brailsford, who showed me the growth project at the club.

"Jim Ratcliffe also convinced me to come here to help the team progress." It may only have