Manchester United oversaw a mass exodus in last summer’s transfer window following a disappointing season. The Red Devils ended up 15th in the league table – their worst finish in the Premier League era – and also lost the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.
Changes were in order and INEOS opted to offload several high-profile names, including Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund, Andre Onana and Jadon Sancho, all of whom departed on loan. The English giants also permanently parted ways with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
United subsequently invested over £200 million in the squad and are currently third in the Premier League after 31 games, thank to their impressive run under caretaker manager Michael Carrick. While there is a good chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League, the Red Devils are already preparing for the upcoming transfer window and it now appears that player sales could impact their summer plans.
The race for the Top Four: 2025/26 Season
| Pos | Team | Games Played | Games Won | Games Drawn | Games Lost | Goals For | Goals Against | Goal Difference | Points | Next Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 31 | 21 | 7 | 3 | 61 | 22 | 39 | 70 | Bournemouth |
| 2 | Manchester City | 30 | 18 | 7 | 5 | 60 | 28 | 32 | 61 | Chelsea |
| 3 | Manchester United | 31 | 15 | 10 | 6 | 56 | 43 | 13 | 55 | Leeds United |
| 4 | Aston Villa | 31 | 16 | 6 | 9 | 42 | 37 | 5 | 54 | Nottingham Forest |
| 5 | Liverpool | 31 | 14 | 7 | 10 | 50 | 42 | 8 | 49 | Fulham |
| 6 | Chelsea | 31 | 13 | 9 | 9 | 53 | 38 | 15 | 48 | Manchester City |
Source: Premier League website.
United preparing to clear deadwood
According to Sky Sports, United are hoping to raise more than £100 million in player sales this summer. The report states: “Manchester United are likely to make over £100 million as they plan for a summer rebuild, with eight senior players expected to leave Old Trafford.”
The Red Devils will earn £16 million if they manage to qualify for the group stages of next season’s Champions League. That earning could be much higher depending on how far they progress in the tournament, with English teams picking up at least £40 million this season for progressing to the last 16.
However, United will also turn to player sales to raise funds this summer, the report adds, stating: “Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford are five senior players expected to leave the club permanently this summer, with three others set to leave at the end of their contracts.”
Barcelona have a £26 million purchase option for Rashford, while Napoli are likely to trigger Hojlund’s £38 million buy option. Ugarte and Zirkzee have struggled for game time, and the Red Devils are expected to let them leave.
Meanwhile, Senne Lammens’ spectacular start to life at Old Trafford has all but ended Andre Onana’s Old Trafford career, and the Cameroonian is likely to be offloaded as well. The report adds that the Red Devils are hoping to secure good fees for the trio, who have admirers in Europe.
Elsewhere, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia will all leave as free agents, which will free up United’s wage bill. The Red Devils will have to properly replace the Brazilian, who has been outstanding this campaign and could be a big miss.
United’s summer targets
United are expected to invest heavily in the middle of the park this summer, with Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Sandro Tonali all linked to the club.
United would ideally like to sign two midfielders, Sky Sports states, adding: “An ideal summer window would include at least two midfielders signed, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba still a target after a move to Old Trafford failed to materialise last summer and Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson also high on United’s list of targets.”
The English giants also want a new forward, with RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye reportedly on their wish list. United also want a new left-back, perhaps as a long-term successor to Luke Shaw, and have been linked with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown.
Final Thoughts
United were smart in their transfer business last summer and have to repeat the trick this year if they wish to sustain their recent rise. Their top targets, however, could cost exorbitant fees, so the Red Devils will have to ensure they offload the deadwood and raise enough money to help their cause.
Featured image Warren Little via Getty Images
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