Ex‑PL club chief: Man United man has 'saved Jim Ratcliffe’s bacon' as transfer warning sent

Manchester United must spend wisely in the summer transfer window even after securing Champions League qualification.

That is the view of former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, after Man United’s 3-2 win over Liverpool secured a top five Premier League finish.

It means that the Red Devils qualify for the Champions League for the first time in two seasons, and they will see an increase in matchday and broadcast revenue.

Interim boss Michael Carrick has secured his objective of a Champions League place, and is now likely to be in charge during the summer transfer window.

Man United face financial problems behind-the-scenes which could limit their spending this summer, with a new midfielder seen as a priority.

Man United ‘could have been a mid-table club’ without Champions League

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that the club’s rising debt could halt Man United’s investment in the squad this summer.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will be relieved by what Carrick has achieved at Old Trafford this season.

He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “Now for next season, it’s going to be a very interesting midfield situation.

“Are they happy with Benjamin Sesko moving forward? There’s Champions League money coming in, and that is so important for United because, financially, that debt number is getting bigger and bigger.

“They’re going to have to be careful in the transfer market this summer. It’s not going to be the United of old going out and splashing the cash for players.

“They’ve got to do it correctly, and be able to do it well with decent quality. Champions League was absolutely vital, otherwise they could have been a mid-table club for some time. So this is a big thing.

“Carrick deserves the reward for delivering that for them because it was absolutely crucial. And in a sense, he has saved Jim Ratcliffe’s bacon.”

Marcus Rashford could make Man United return

Wyness also told Football Insider that Marcus Rashford has a chance of a Man United return, if Carrick is hired on a permanent basis.

Whilst Rashford has had no desire to return to the club, Barcelona’s financial problems may mean they can not afford to sign him permanently this summer.

The 28-year-old, who has admirers from fellow Premier League clubs, has played with Carrick previously at Man United, which could make integration back into the team easier than under any other manager.

Barcelona could make an offer to sign Rashford on another loan deal next season, where he has contributed seven goals in La Liga this campaign.

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