Manchester United’s poor transfer record in the past decade comes from overpaying for new signings and underselling their own players.
There have been noticeable improvements in Manchester United’s transfer business under Ineos, but there is huge pressure to get the 2026 summer window right.
United are planning a major midfield overhaul, and club captain Bruno Fernandes is demanding ambition from the club hierarchy.
The resurgence in form under Michael Carrick has put United on the brink of a Premier League title challenge, but Ineos have to get their recruitment right.
Carrick says Top 5 isn’t enough. Honestly, based on his run, do you think we are a genuine Title Contender for next season?
Man Utd won’t overpay, but they must not undersell either
It has been stressed that United will not overpay for targets this summer, including top priority Elliot Anderson.
If Nottingham Forest’s asking price is deemed to be too high, United will walk away from the deal. The same goes for other targets.
That is all well and good, but United must take a similar stubborn approach when it comes to selling players.
According to ESPN, United want to raise £90 million in sales to fund a move for a top-class midfielder this summer.
But in order to reach that £90 million sales target, Ineos are going to have to stand their ground in negotiations, especially over Marcus Rashford’s sale.
Barcelona don’t want to buy Marcus Rashford for just £26m
How would you respond to a second loan offer from Barcelona?
How Man Utd can raise £90m in sales this summer
United’s sales in the past decade have been nothing short of miserable. The biggest sales of United’s history is still topped by Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit to Real Madrid in 2009.
But £90 million is a very achievable target for Ineos to reach this summer if they stick to their asking prices.
Barcelona want a second loan for Rashford, but United must stick to their £26 million valuation as even that is an extremely low fee for a player who has scored 13 goals and made 13 assists this season.
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United are confident that Rasmus Hojlund will join Napoli permanently after his loan deal, which will immediately add £38 million to the sales pot.
Then there is a £25m price tag for Manuel Ugarte and the potential sale of Andre Onana following his loan in Turkey. Combined, those four sales should easily bring in up to £100 million for United this summer. But, only if Ineos stick to their asking prices.
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