Seven players under 25 Man Utd could target including Olise and Sesko as Sir Jim Ratcliffe BANS Galactico transfers

MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to build a fitter, stronger and faster team next season – for whoever is in charge.

The Old Trafford board – led by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe – are still pondering whether to sack Erik ten Hag after his shock FA Cup final win.

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But, as revealed by SunSport, Ratcliffe & Co will demand United’s manager adheres to strict rules, including ONLY signing players under 25.

That would mean shunning high-profile deals for the likes of Kylian Mbappe to instead try and find gems who could shine in the future, and retain their transfer value.

Here, we run down the top young talent the Old Trafford hierarchy could target in the summer window.

Michael Olise

The winger turned down a move to Chelsea in order to sign a new Crystal Palace deal last summer, and it paved the way for a stunning season.

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Olise, 22, ended up with ten goals from 19 games, shining in the 4-0 hammering of United in May.

But the Red Devils are set to once again battle the Blues, who have remained interested in the 60million rated man.

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Jarrad Branthwaite

United were hit with a crippling defensive injury crisis this season and recruiting a centre-back – especially with Raphael Varane leaving – deemed a top priority.

Everton’s Branthwaite is wanted by Ratcliffe and could even be available in a cut-price 40m move amid the Toffees’ dire financial situation.

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Branthwaite, 21, has emerged as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League and is seen as the type of player who can transform Uniteds fortunes on the field.

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Marc Guehi

Another Palace star facing the exit is former Chelsea centre-back Guehi.

The Eagles are expecting bids for the defender, 23, this summer and are linked with Real Betis’ Chadi Riad as a 10m replacement.

Guehi – included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euro 2024 squad – is another young player to fit United’s transfer criteria.

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Jeremie Frimpong

The speedy wing-back, 23, helped Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen to a domestic double this season.

And United are looking to fill a gap on the right side of their defence with Aaron Wan-Bissaka linked with a move away.

Right-back Diogo Dalot was crowned United’s Player of The Season but Frimpong is considered a top prospect in the market.

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Joao Neves

United and Chelsea have strongly been linked with the 19-year-old playmaker – touted as Portugal’s next big thing.

But he does come with a reportedly hefty 103m release clause.

And he could be influenced over to Manchester by captain Bruno Fernandes, also an international team-mate.

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Benjamin Sesko

The Slovenian, 20 has emerged as one of the most-wanted strikers after scoring 18 RB Leipzig goals last season.

Arsenal were seen as favourites to his signature but United chiefs are also believed to have been in talks with his reps.

Rasmus Hojlund, 21, was signed for 72m last season and ended as the club’s top scorer, but he will be braced for added competition in the summer.

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Joshua Zirkzee

The Bologna man has also attracted attention from Arsenal and Inter Milan following an 11-goal Serie A campaign.

And Zirkzee, 23, is understood to be available at a more affordable price of 51m.

Scouts from across Europe are all believed to have watched the Netherlands youth player in action.

[BOLOGNA, ITALY - APRIL 28: Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna FC looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Bologna FC and Udinese Calcio at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara on April 28, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)] 12