Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explains why Manchester United might not be done spending this summer.
Four major signings have walked through the door at Manchester United, with the latest being Benjamin Sesko following his £66m arrival from RB Leipzig.
He joins Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon as new recruits. A few eyebrows have been raised by United’s £200m transfer spend given Sir Jim Ratcliffe previously claimed the club was going bust.
Heading into the summer, it was understood that United were close to their PSR limits, but it seems Ineos have reshuffled the club’s finances to make sure Ruben Amorim could be backed properly.
With weeks remaining in the window, United are interested in Carlos Baleba and are also in the market for a new goalkeeper.
Man United told to focus on player sales despite £80m injection
United in Focus spoke exclusively to football finance expert Kieran Maguire about the club’s financial situation and how Ineos are affording to spend this summer.
“Manchester United have a reasonable amount of PSR flexibility as far as 2025-26 is concerned,” Maguire explained.
“Despite not being in the Champions League, they are still going to generate £80m from Adidas. The remaining merchandise and commercial income will be high.
“Ticket prices have gone up. They are playing fewer matches at Old Trafford because of no European football, but a couple of good cup runs could address that. Whether they can continue that for more than two seasons isn’t clear.
“They need to focus more on player trading, and that means looking at exits as well as signings. Their spending has broadly been in line with Man City, Chelsea and some others in recent years.
“They have invested significant sums with buying players. But where they have underperformed is player sale revenues. That’s partly because they are seen by many players as a destination club that they don’t want to leave.
“But you also have to question the quality of the signings because, with the exception of Bruno Fernandes, it’s difficult to identify another player since Sir Alex Ferguson retired that has been worth the price they paid.“
Ineos under pressure to sell Man United players
Maguire is spot on – United’s sales have been nowhere near good enough, especially compared to close rivals such as Manchester City and Chelsea.
The only significant departure so far has been Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona, but United will only pocket £26m from that deal next summer – and that is only if his buy option is triggered.
The remainder of Amorim’s outcasts remain at Carrington searching for a new club, despite the season starting this week.
Alejandro Garnacho is close to joining Chelsea, and United will expect to pocket around £30-£40m for his signature, although the structure of the deal is yet to be revealed.
READ MORE: Carlos Baleba isn’t the only £100m midfielder Man Utd are keen to sign, could form dream pairing
Jadon Sancho has turned down Besiktas but is still expected to leave this summer. United will want the 25-year-old gone permanently and will expect around £15-£20m for his exit.
Rasmus Hojlund could leave for £44m this summer, although once again United will likely have to wait until next summer to profit from a potential buy option. Finally, Antony is also expected to leave, although Real Betis have so far been hesitant to meet his asking price.
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