Manchester United supporters have long harboured frustration with the Glazer family’s ownership. But since Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumed control of the majority shares last year, little has truly changed. Harsh cost-cutting measures have veered into unsettling territory, stripping away resources to the point of damaging the club’s foundations. Meanwhile, United just endured their worst-ever Premier League season, ending in disappointment with a Europa League final loss to Tottenham.
The club’s performance in the transfer market hasn’t helped either. Signings such as Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt have failed to inspire confidence or halt the club’s ongoing decline. This situation prompts a lingering question: could The Nine Two Foundation, led by Sheikh Jassim, have provided a more stable direction during this critical rebuilding phase?
According to the Daily Mail, Sheikh Jassim had already drawn up a list of ten key transfer targets for Manchester United, prior to his £5 billion takeover attempt being blocked by Ratcliffe and his INEOS team. While it’s now a hypothetical scenario, it’s fascinating to imagine who could have been lining up at Old Trafford had different decisions been made at the top.
Harry Kane – Bayern Munich
England’s record goalscorer had been linked with United for years, including during the Glazer regime. However, a deal never materialised, largely due to Tottenham’s reluctance to sell to a domestic rival for a hefty fee. Instead, Kane joined Bayern Munich, where he’s gone on to produce staggering numbers: 82 goals and 25 assists in 91 matches, along with a long-awaited Bundesliga title. A complete centre-forward, he embodies the kind of elite striker United have lacked since the days of Wayne Rooney.
Kim Min-Jae – Bayern Munich
Another target who ended up at Bayern, Kim Min-Jae moved from Napoli after helping them win Serie A. The powerful and technically gifted South Korean defender would’ve been an ideal partner for Lisandro Martinez. Instead, United went for alternatives like Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt—neither of whom have truly impressed. Kim, who blends De Ligt’s physicality with Yoro’s ball-playing skill, might have been the ideal choice to solidify the backline.
Adrien Rabiot – Marseille
Manchester United have a tendency to make short-term fixes instead of well-considered signings. That was clear in their loan acquisition of Sofyan Amrabat. At the same time, Adrien Rabiot was available on a free after his stint with Juventus. Now performing smoothly at Marseille, Rabiot could have provided more experience and consistency than gambles like Casemiro, who commands a hefty wage without delivering equal value.
Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool
Now a linchpin in Liverpool’s midfield, Mac Allister was signed from Brighton for just £35 million—a fee that seems even more of a bargain in hindsight. At 26, the Argentine has already won the World Cup, Copa America, and now the Premier League. His ability to dictate play, defend, and contribute goals would have been transformational for United, who continue to lack a commanding presence in midfield.
Ronald Araujo – Barcelona
United still have hope of landing Araujo, who has been linked to a summer move. The versatile Uruguayan can play both as a centre-back and right-back, making him an ideal fit for a back-three system. While he’s currently out of favour at Barcelona, both Ratcliffe and Jassim reportedly saw him as a priority signing. His strength, speed, and tactical flexibility make him a natural fit for Premier League football.
Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona
Two years ago, De Jong was tipped for a reunion with Erik ten Hag, but a deal never materialised. The Dutch midfielder has remained loyal to Barcelona, likely because of their consistent trophy ambitions. Though injuries have affected his availability, De Jong remains a top-tier talent and one of the most elegant passers in football. Even Lionel Messi once hailed his vision and composure.
Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli)
Osimhen exploded into global prominence during Napoli’s 2022–23 title-winning season, scoring 26 goals in 32 league matches. Despite a temporary setback caused by disputes with the club, he went on to join Galatasaray, where he topped the scoring charts and lifted the Turkish Super Lig title. A dominant forward in every sense—pace, aerial prowess, finishing—Osimhen remains on the radar of Europe’s elite.
Dusan Vlahovic – Juventus
One of Europe’s most promising strikers, Vlahovic offers more than just goals. His ability to link play and bring others into the attack would have provided a much-needed focal point for United. While his stats at Juventus are solid—56 goals and 14 assists in 142 appearances—questions would have lingered over his ability to transition to England’s more physically demanding environment.
Kingsley Coman – Bayern Munich
Coman, a dynamic and versatile winger, was another name on Sheikh Jassim’s radar. He has been instrumental at Bayern Munich, winning a league title every season until the 2023–24 campaign. Moving to United, however, would likely have disrupted that streak, as the club has not lifted the Premier League trophy since 2013. Nonetheless, his speed and flair would have added badly needed creativity.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia – Paris Saint-Germain
Kvaratskhelia, once a sensation at Napoli, is now thriving at PSG, where he helped deliver the club’s first-ever Champions League title. Known for his explosive pace and ambidextrous dribbling, the Georgian winger is nearly impossible to stop in full flight. Any hope United had of signing him has likely evaporated, as PSG under Luis Enrique shows no signs of slowing down—and neither does Kvaratskhelia.