Manchester United’s transfer window has hit a bit of a lull after securing two signings quickly and decisively before the USA leg of pre-season.
That has happened because United’s situation with Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules is precarious at best,
They are now in “sell to buy” mode, and with so many players still at the club who don’t have a long-term future, the need to clear house is paramount.
Apparently, United have identified Christian Eriksen as the player near the top of that list, if their asking price for him is any indication.
Christian Eriksen asking price set
Eriksen, who arrived on a free transfer during Ten Hag’s first season, surpassed all expectations as he formed a key partnership in midfield with Casemiro.
United played some of their best football under the Dutchman when the pivot of Casemiro-Eriksen was keeping United humming.
However, Casemiro’s decline, combined with Eriksen’s injury issues contributed to a free-fall in form in the second season, punctuated by Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence.
Now, with just one season left on his contract, United are willing to cut their loss at all costs.
CaughtOffside reports that United have set an asking price of just €5 million for the Danish international, which they consider a “small profit” since he joined for free.
Anderlecht have started talks while Ajax are keen to reunite with him on loan, although that’s unlikely since his contract expires next year.
The player himself has said this summer, however, that he is in no rush to leave United but the promise of a larger role elsewhere could turn his head as his frustrations with his playing time were well-known last year.
A midfield overhaul
United clearly want to upgrade their midfield options beyond a couple of players who are untouchable. Casemiro and Eriksen are on the market while they are listening to offers for Scott McTominay.
Manuel Ugarte has been targeted but the trail has gone cold as they wait to sell players first. In such a situation, Eriksen becomes extremely important due to his arrival as a free agent.
Casemiro arrived two years ago on a five-year contract for £60 million. As his third season begins, his “book value” will be around £36 million if United amortised £60 million over the length of five years.
As nobody is likely to pay that much for him, United are bound to take a loss from the sale. Eriksen, on the other hand, will be profit on the books even if he’s sold for £4 million.
Same goes for McTominay due to his status as an academy product. It has left United in a quandary where the asset they want to sell the least is valued the highest, and vice versa.
However, tough decisions will need to be taken if the overhaul is to succeed. It might begin with getting rid of Eriksen in a cut-price deal.
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