Bayern Munich have pulled off a surprise £12m Manchester United target

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co have already made changes behind the scenes, but now it’s time for the big deals.

The new signings will grab the headlines, but Ineos must also consider whether to make a change in the dugout.

Erik ten Hag won the FA Cup but a disappointing season leaves the Manchester United boss uncertain about his future at Old Trafford.

We could see a new manager and a host of new signings to really start a new era at United with a real change of approach expected.

Gone are the days of handing out big contracts to players like Raphael Varane and Casemiro, who may have come a long way before pulling on a United shirt.

Manchester United gave Assan Ouedraogo a chance

Ineos will likely focus on younger players with high potential, with new technical director Jason Wilcox set to play a key role in the recruitment approach.

Top talents from around the world are already being linked with United, and Bayern Munich have just given Ineos a real chance.

Reports in May suggested United were taking a close look at Schalke signing Assan Ouedraogo.

It looked like Bayern Munich would win the race for Ouedraogo just a few days ago, but that situation quickly changed.

Claims in Germany have suggested that Bayern have not made a firm commitment to a deal and have now backed out entirely.

Sky German’s Florian Plettenberg now claims Bayern have decided not to press ahead with a deal for Ouedraogo.

Bayern are said to be unwilling to pay for Ouedraogo right now and the German giants have now informed the midfielder’s entourage that a deal will not be done.

Plettenberg adds that the race for Ouedraogo’s signature is now “open again” and a move to the Premier League is a real possibility.

Plettenberg claims a £12million release clause must be activated for a move to the Premier League by mid-June, giving United just two weeks to hammer out a deal.

The Premier League’s “top teams” are believed to be keen on Ouedraogo, and United appear to be one of them, with Bayern now out of the picture.

Ouedraogo compared to Paul Pogba

Schalke teenager Ouedraogo has broken into the first team this season, registering three goals and two assists in 17 first-team appearances.

The 18-year-old has a big future ahead of him and United could land a real talent with a deal this summer.

Ouedraogo is a tall, athletic and technically gifted midfielder with the ability to become a top box-to-box player.

That profile may sound somewhat similar to United fans, with Paul Pogba being a similar type of player – and Ouedraogo has indeed been compared to Pogba.

United fans may have been divided on Pogba’s time at United and how he arguably failed to live up to his potential.

However, there will be high hopes surrounding Ouedraogo and United may believe he can be the next real midfield star at Old Trafford, having shown an interest in his signature.