Exciting young talents such as Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz, of Bayer Leverkusen, could be on the market this summer and would ordinarily be of interest to United. Yet there is said to be little expectation among Old Trafford’s powerbrokers that the club will be able to match the sort of £80 million to £90 million fees paid for players, such as Harry Maguire and Antony, in recent years unless there is a bumper summer of sales.
It is why Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos team, incoming chief executive Omar Berrada and new technical director Jason Wilcox are thought to be keeping such an open mind on potential outgoings. Sources have indicated that they are conscious of United’s need to be nimble and flexible in the market in their efforts to reshape the squad in a challenging financial climate.
Although the likes of Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund – around whom United hope to build a highly successful team in the years to come – will be strictly off limits to would-be suitors, the club are believed to be reluctant to narrow their options elsewhere within the squad.
It means United could be willing to have conversations with interested parties, for example, over Rashford should any offers arrive that warrant serious discussion.
Rashford wages may be a stumbling block
Rashford, 26, has endured a torrid season on and off the pitch since signing a new five-year contract worth £325,000 a week last July. On Friday, the England striker – who was booed off by United fans during their FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City – hit out at the “abuse” he says he has been subjected to “for months”.
Erik ten Hag said Rashford needed support and backing and had been affected in part by the team’s struggles this term but the United manager also said the player needed to look at himself as to why his performance levels have dropped so dramatically after scoring 30 goals last season.
Paris Saint-Germain, who are due to lose France striker Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid this summer, have previously expressed an interest in Rashford but could pursue alternative targets. Rashford’s wages combined with a hefty fee may be a significant obstacle for many clubs.
The likes of striker Anthony Martial and defenders Raphael Varane and Brandon Williams are expected to leave as free agents at the end of the season and the huge wage savings there could free up room for a substantial investment in a new player.
But the number of signings United can realistically make will be heavily influenced by sales. Equally, if United sold a number of players who occupy the same position – such as Jadon Sancho and Antony in the wide forward area – then that would have a direct impact on the positions they see fit to strengthen. Similarly, full-back could be another area that ultimately requires reinforcements depending on who goes.
Futures of Sancho, Antony and Greenwood
United loaned Sancho to Borussia Dortmund in January and are hoping to find a permanent buyer for the England winger this summer.
Antony, who scored his first Premier League goal of the season on Saturday, has been a colossal disappointment since his £85 million arrival from Ajax in September 2022 but United would probably have to be willing to take a big hit on the Brazil forward if he were to be moved on.
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