MANCHESTER UNITED are looking to build a fitter, stronger and faster team next season – for whoever is in charge.

The Old Trafford board – led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe – are still pondering whether to sack Erik ten Hag after his shock FA Cup final win.

But as revealed by SunSport, Ratcliffe & Co will demand United’s manager adhere to strict rules that include only signing players under 25.

It prevents big-name transfers like Kylian Mbappe to instead try and find gems that will shine for United in the future.

So here, we run down the young talent the Old Trafford hierarchy could look to in the summer window.

Michael Olise

The winger turned down a move to Chelsea in order to sign a new Crystal Palace deal last summer and it paved the way for a stunning season.

Olise, 22, ended with ten goals from 19 games, even scoring against United in the 4-0 hammering in May.

But United are set to once again battle the Blues, who have remained interested in the £60million rated man.

Jarrad Branthwaite

United were hit with a crippling injury crisis this season and recruiting a centre-back – with Raphael Varane leaving – deemed a top priority.

And Everton’s Branthwaite is wanted by Ratcliffe and could even be available in a cut-price £40m move amid the Toffees’ dire financial situation.

Branthwaite, 21, has emerged as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League and is seen as the type of player who can transform United’s fortunes on the field.

Marc Guehi

Another Palace star facing the exit is former Chelsea centre-back Guehi.

The Eagles are expecting bids for the defender, 23, this summer and are linked with a Real Betis’ Chadi Riad as a £10m replacement.

Guehi – included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional Euro 2024 squad – is another young player to fit United’s transfer criteria.

Jeremie Frimpong

The speedy wing-back, 23, helped Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen to a domestic double this season.

And United are looking to fill a gap on the right side of their defence with Aaron Wan-Bissaka linked with a move away.

Right-back Diogo Dalot was crowned United’s Player of The Season but Frimpong is considered a top prospect in the market.

Joao Neves

United and Chelsea have strongly been linked with the 19-year-old playmaker – touted as Portugal’s next big thing.

But he does come with a reportedly hefty £103m release clause.

And he could be influenced over to Manchester by captain Bruno Fernandes, also an international team-mate.

Benjamin Sesko

The Slovenian, 20 has emerged as one of the most-wanted strikers after scoring 28 last season.

Arsenal were seen as favourites to his signature but United chiefs are also believed to have been in talks with his reps.

Rasmus Hojlund, 21, was signed for £72m last season and ended as the club’s top scorer but he will be braced for competition in the summer.

Joshua Zirkzee

The Bologna man has also attracted attention from Arsenal and Inter Milan following an 11-goal Serie A campaign.

And Zirkzee, 23, is understood to be available at a more affordable price of £51m.

Scouts from across Europe are all believed to have watched the Netherlands youth player in action.