How Manchester United could raise £500m in the summer transfer window – opinion

With the summer transfer window approaching, Manchester United stands at a pivotal juncture, facing speculation regarding player departures and available funds for potential player acquisitions. Reports suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe will focus on selling players to generate funds, as the club navigates current Financial Fair Play (FFP) restrictions under INEOS ownership. This strategy aims is being set up to address the club’s inflated wage bill through a substantial squad overhaul.

Fans are left contemplating which players should remain, who should be offloaded, and who United should target as replacements. The impending shake-up signals a period of transition for the club, with decisions made in the coming months likely to shape United’s future direction both on and off the pitch.

In this report, we have broken down how Manchester United could raise approximately £500m and spend up to £250m as a hypothetical exercise.

Potential summer signings

Generally, we think United need about 7 signings this summer:

• RCB: Jean-Clair Todibo (£36m)
• LCB: Jhon Lucumi (£25m)
• LB-: Antonee Robinson (£30m)
• 6/8: Youssouf Fofana (£25m)
• CM: Joao Gomes (£40m)
• RW: Michael Olise (£60m)
• ST: Benjamin Sesko (£40m)

According to reported fees this would cost around £250m.

Breakdown of the current squad situation at risk and how United can raise the funds from salaries and sales:

1. Tom Heaton: With limited playing time as a backup goalkeeper, Heaton’s departure could free up space and funds without significant impact on the squad’s dynamics.  Annual Salary Save (£2,34m)
2. Victor Lindelof: Despite flashes of quality, Lindelof’s inconsistency and lack of a regular starting spot could see him heading for the exit. Annual Salary Save (£6,24m) + market value Sale (£18m) = £24,240m.
3. Anthony Martial: What can we say about Martial nine-year spell at United other than it is time to go. Martial, who has been very inconsistent, had his best goalscoring season in 2019–20, netting 23 times in all competitions, and he was awarded Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year. However, his form declined in seasons after that and in January 2022, Martial was loaned out to Spanish club Sevilla until the end of the 2021–22 season. Due to his high wages, it has almost been impossible to sell him but now 2024, he will walk as free agent and save United £13m in wages.
4. Raphael Varane: A marquee signing, Varane’s importance is undeniable, but fitness concerns raise questions about his long-term viability. He is likely to leave on free and that should free up £17.6m in wages.
5. Luke Shaw: A talented full-back, Shaw’s injury record may prompt United to consider his future. Annual Salary Save (£7,8m) + market value Sale (£38m) = £45,8m
6. Casemiro: A world-class defensive midfielder, Casemiro’s fitness and commitment have been questioned, potentially opening the door for a lucrative offer. Reports claim that Saudi club Al Nassr are open to offer £34m for the 32-year-old who has 2 years left on his contract. Annual Salary Save (£18,2m) + market value Sale (£34m) = £53,2m
7. Christian Eriksen: Once a top-class talent, Eriksen’s decline in pace and age profile may prompt United to explore other options. He is likely to leave on free and that should free up £7.8m in wages.
8. Harry Maguire: A defensive stalwart, Maguire’s age and fit with the team’s playing style may prompt United to evaluate his role. He could stay as third choice centre-back but if united decide to sell him it would benefit both Harry who wants playing time and the financial bolster wage bill. Annual Salary Save (£9,875m) + market value Sale (£30m) = £39,875m
9. Scott McTominay: A vital cog in United’s midfield, McTominay’s energy and work rate make him an asset, homegrown talent, and pure profit on the FFP. Though a significant offer could tempt the club to cash in. Annual Salary Save (£3,120m) + market value Sale (£35m) = £38,120m
10. Jadon Sancho: A potential key player who has flopped at United, Sancho’s disciplinary issues could see him on thin ice with the management after the fall out with Ten Hag. His loan spell with Dortmund have led to an interest for a permanent move in the summer. Annual Salary Save (£13m) + market value Sale (£40m) = £53m
11. Marcus Rashford: Despite his talent, Rashford’s off-field issues and inconsistent form may prompt United to reassess his future. Although, the club are not actively looking to part ways with Marcus Rashford, United would consider a significant offer, particularly if he indicates he is keen on a new challenge. Annual Salary Save (£15,6m) + market value Sale (£75m) = £90.6m
12. Mason Greenwood: A prodigious talent, Greenwood’s off-field troubles may force United to consider a sale for the greater good. Selling Greenwood is a pure profit on the FFP as he is an homegrown talent. Annual Salary Save (£2,68m) + market value sale (£45m) = £47.68m
13. Aaron Wan-Bissaka: A defensive rock, Wan-Bissaka’s lack of attacking contributions may leave him vulnerable to scrutiny, United seems to want to change the playing style by focusing on more attack minded wingers. Annual Salary Save (£4,68m) + Market value Sale (£25m) = £39.68m
14. Antony: Still unproven, Antony’s work rate may earn him more chances, but his output will be scrutinized only scoring one goal in the 2023/24 campaign. If United are looking to bring in Olise from Crystal Palace, then a winger like Antony might be the sacrificial lamb due to his high wages and low output. Annual salary save (£10,4m) + market value Sale (£40m) = £50.4m
15. Sofyan Amrabat: Was brought in on a loan deal with obligation to buy. It’s been a strange loan from Fiorentina as united have struggled with the No 6 position all season while Amrabat have not been given the fair chance to show his worth. He has filled in in random defensive duties and had a few subs coming off the bench. This feels like United will not plan with him and therefore save so this does not look like united will save £3.38m in annual wage.
16. Alvaro Fernandez: A promising youth talent, Fernandez’s development could pay dividends if given patience, though INEOS’ stance remains uncertain as Benfica have a buy option on £6m from his loan deal. Barring that United need a left-back perhaps they will put their development on U18 super talent Harry Amass.Selling Alvaro is though a Pure FFP profit and unfortunately, we see him being sold.
17. Facundo Pellistri: A raw talent, Pellistri’s future hinges on his development and opportunities in a competitive position. Having an okay loan spell at Granada but we think united will unfortunately sell him to make way for Micheal Olise. Annual salary save (£1m) + market value sale (£10m) = £11m.
18. Donny van de Beek: Underutilized at United, Van de Beek may seek a fresh start elsewhere to reignite his career. It will be a challenge to offload Donny hence united have to cut their losses. Annual salary save (£6.2m) + market value Sale (£9m) = £15.2m