Manchester United suffered their 14th Premier League loss of the season in a lackluster performance against Arsenal at Old Trafford, further exposing the team’s struggles under Erik ten Hag’s management.
Despite the overall disappointment, there were some positives for United, particularly in Kobbie Mainoo’s midfield contributions and the promising displays from young wingers Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, INEOS, the club’s new minority owner, plans to revamp the team with a focus on recruiting youthful and ambitious talents rather than aging stars like Casemiro, whose performances have been subpar.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe supports this strategy and is keen to reinforce it by targeting one of the Championship’s most promising prospects.
According to The Northern Echo, Manchester United is preparing to make an official offer for Sunderland’s emerging talent, Chris Rigg.
Rigg, a promising English player currently on a scholarship deal with Sunderland, will be eligible to sign his first professional contract this summer when he turns 17.
United is determined to bring Rigg into their fold, especially as the club renews its emphasis on strengthening its academy setup under new leadership.
To lead this initiative, INEOS has appointed Jason Wilcox as the new technical director. Wilcox brings valuable experience from his time as head of Manchester City’s academy, where he played a crucial role in reshaping the club’s youth development programs.
With these strategic moves and a focus on nurturing young talent, Manchester United aims to build a sustainable foundation for long-term success, signaling a shift in their approach to squad building and player recruitment.