Manchester United’s summer transfer budget took a hit after failing to qualify for any European competition.
Qualifying for the Champions League would have added £100m to Manchester United’s budget this summer but unfortunately the Red Devils fell just short.
Defeat in the Europa League final means that Ineos have had to work with a limited budget this summer but it hasn’t stopped United from getting stuck into their transfer plans.
On the first day of the summer window, a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha was confirmed and now Ineos are in talks with Brentford over Bryan Mbeumo.
Kieran Maguire reveals Man United’s remaining summer budget
Reports before the window suggested that United had a budget of £100m this summer but that would suggest that Cunha’s arrival has taken up more than half of the available cash.
However, Cunha’s transfer fee was spread out over multiple years meaning United still have money to spend.
Football finance professor Kieran Maguire spoke to United legend Rio Ferdinand about the budget available to Ineos.
“Manchester United certainly have cash in the bank but they also owe £400m in instalments on players they have bought in previous years,” Maguire said.
“The finances are not as bad as they have been painted in some of the media.
“They could easily go for another £100 million without a problem.”
Man United have enough money to wrap up Bryan Mbeumo deal
Just days after signing Cunha, news broke that United submitted a £45m bid for Mbeumo, but it didn’t match Brentford’s valuation.
Brentford value Mbeumo at around £60m – a similar price that United paid to Cunha. Maguire’s explanation about United’s budget suggests there is more than enough flexibility to get that deal over the line.
Despite Tottenham’s interest in Mbeumo, the player has given his word that he wants to sign for United and it seems it is a matter of time until an agreement is struck.
READ MORE: The £175m blow hitting Man Utd’s finances within nine months which could limit summer spending
Ineos remain in negotiations to lower Brentford’s asking price and to avoid overpaying this summer, but United have enough money in the bank to get a deal done.
Depending on the Mbeumo fee, sales of players such as Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony should provide more than enough funds to bring in further signings.
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