Revealed: Sir Jim Ratcliffe's transfer recruitment plan as Man Utd's deficiencies are brutally exposed again in Fulham defeat

The Red Devils fell to an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to Fulham on Saturday as Alex Iwobi silenced the Old Trafford crowd with his 97th minute winner. The result came just days after minority investor Ratcliffe made some bold claims about knocking Liverpool and Manchester City "off their perch". Since his 27 per cent purchase of the club was confirmed last week, Ratcliffe's first window to make the necessary changes will come in the summer, and The Telegraph reports where the INEOS chief plans to spend his money.

Ramus Hojlund was absent from Saturday's defeat through injury and was sorely missed, with Marcus Rashford struggling in a more central position. That deficiency has prompted Ratcliffe to target a new striker to support Hojlund and take some of the pressure off the Dane's shoulders.

Elsewhere, the right side of defence is reportedly considered a key area. At right-back, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is yet to sign an extension on a contract that has just one season remaining, with Diogo Dalot appreciated but often needed to cover on the left side. At right-centre-back, Raphael Varane looks set for a move to Saudi Arabia, and he, Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire all see their contracts expire in 2025. Jonny Evans is not seen as a viable long-term option having been signed for cover this term.

A supporting striker, right-back and right-sided centre-back are therefore the priorities for Ratcliffe in the coming window, but The Telegraph notes that a midfielder may also be targeted. That move would depend on the fate of Casemiro, who like Varane has attracted attention from the Saudi Pro League.

Tellingly, Ratcliffe's comments about the need to be "world class" never officially endorsed manager Ten Hag. After Saturday's result saw United slip to eight points off fourth, it remains to be seen whether he will be the man to oversee the potential influx of players during Ratcliffe's first transfer window. The likes of Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann have been linked with succeeding the Dutchman at the end of the season.