Manchester United are reportedly confident they can provide Ruben Amorim with a £200 million budget this summer by selling players he is willing to let go in order to fund an Old Trafford overhaul. Up to nine members of Amorim’s first-team squad could be shown the door, giving the Portuguese manager a fresh start after another challenging season in the Premier League.
In addition to generating funds through transfer fees, United’s financial team believe they could also save up to £80million per year on wages. United are keen to offload Marcus Rashford (£50m), Jadon Sancho (£30m), Antony (£30m) and Tyrell Malacia (£10m).
The Red Devils are also open to offers for Casemiro, Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho, while Kobbie Mainoo’s future hangs in the balance due to the club’s failure to meet his wage demands for a new contract.
Both Casemiro and Onana are expected to attract interest from the Saudi Pro League and could fetch £20million each.
Meanwhile, Napoli have their sights set on £50million-rated Garnacho, and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Mainoo’s situation.
With Christian Eriksen set to leave when his contract expires in the summer, United are prepared to fully support Amorim by reshaping the squad to suit his tactical approach.
A club insider told the Mirror: “It may be a case of swallowing big losses on what was paid for Sancho, Antony, Casemiro and Onana, but there is an acceptance that the manager must be given the players he needs to make his system work.
“Off-loading some of the biggest earners at the club will also create some wriggle room for the necessary rebuild.”
Top earners Rashford and Casemiro are raking in over £325,000-a-week, with Sancho earning £250,000-a-week. Antony and Eriksen take home £150,000-a-week, while Onana is on £120,000-a-week.
Co-owner Sir Jim Radcliffe sees controlling United’s staggering annual wage bill of £172 million as crucial for the club’s future stability.
United are optimistic that Rashford’s revival at Aston Villa will prompt the midlands outfit to match their £50 million asking price or spark interest from other clubs, especially now that he has reclaimed his position within the England team.
Real Betis’s bid to extend Antony’s loan stay by an additional 12 months was turned down, yet with the Brazilian winger thriving under ex-Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini and Betis potentially clinching a Champions League spot, they might secure the funds to make his transfer permanent.
Chelsea holds the right to snap up Sancho for £30 million after his loan spell, or alternatively, can shell out £5million in compensation to escape the deal.
Regardless, Sancho’s future does not lie in Manchester, with his former club Borussia Dortmund keeping a close eye on the situation. Malacia, currently on loan at PSV Eindhoven, is also on the market.
It seems improbable that United would consider selling both Garnacho and Mainoo simultaneously. However, due to Profit and Sustainability Rules, they could maximise their returns by allowing another homegrown player to depart alongside Rashford.
Napoli, who were willing to shell out £35 million for the 20 year old in January, remain interested. Having lost his spot in Argentina’s squad, Garnacho might see a move to Serie A as an opportunity to increase his chances of making it to the World Cup, especially as Napoli are currently in the title race and on track for Champions League qualification.
Stockport-born Mainoo, 19, won over fans last season when he scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup final and then shone for England at the Euros. Despite struggling with injuries this season, if no agreement is reached on a new contract, United may be tempted to capitalise on Chelsea’s interest.
