United facing busy summer of transfers...

UNITED'S new director of football negotiations didn't exactly pick a quiet week to start work, although when it comes to United and transfers there's probably never a good time to ease yourself in.

- TYRONE MARSHALL

Matt Hargreaves took up post in his new role on Monday and today - his third day in what has been described as a 'dream job' for the United fan the summer transfer window has opened for business.

Negotiations are going to form a key part of this window for United. Maybe that's pointing out the obvious, but Erik ten Hag has a relatively tight budget given Financial Fair Play constraints, one that will need to be swelled by player sales.

So driving the price down for incomings and up for outgoings is going to be the order of the summer, which is why things could take time to get going.

There is certainly plenty on the to-do list for United's football director John Murtough. Ten Hag is notoriously challenging of his recruitment team and will expect deals done in a timely manner and his squad strengthened sufficiently.

To do that some senior players will have to be sold, but there is also the issue of contract renewals hanging over a window that looks unpredictable for United on the day it opens.

The most pressing issue might well be deciding what to do with David de Gea. A new deal for the 32-year-old goalkeeper could be signed any moment, but with every day that passes the more likely it becomes that the Spaniard will leave the club in 17 days.