Sheffield United are warned about this summer's transfer market

Although researchers at Europe’s leading football think tank have identified United as the English top-flight side set to see the most wiped off the value of its squad due to economic deflation, some commentators have argued falling prices could see previously unobtainable players suddenly enter Chris Wilder’s remit.

But Ed Woodward, vice-chairman of Manchester United, has predicted that every team in the competition will be forced to scale back spending during forthcoming transfer windows.

"Nobody should be under any illusions about the scale of challenge facing everyone in football and it may not be 'business as usual' for any clubs, including ourselves, in the transfer market this summer,” Woodward said.

United were seventh in the table - only five points outside the Champions League places - when the fixture calendar was suspended in March. However, they could return to action next month if ‘Project Restart’ - the PL’s plan to resume competition in June - receives enough support at a summit meeting next week.

Wilder has made no secret of his desire to complete the schedule, even though matches now appear destined to be staged at neutral venues.

"Everyone is grappling with the economic realities of the pandemic and we are no different,” Woodward said. “The longer the crisis continues the greater the impact will be for every club, including ourselves.”