Manchester United are set to undergo a massive overhaul this summer following a disastrous 2024-25 campaign.
They have already laid down a major marker in the transfer window, snapping up Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers in a bold £62.5 million swoop.
Football finance expert Kieran Maguire has revealed that United have “cash in the bank” even after missing out on European football for the next campaign.
He revealed on the YouTube Podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents: “Manchester United have certainly got cash in the bank but they also owe £400 million in instalments on players that they bought in previous years which is a bit of a problem.
“The finances are not as bad as they have been painted in some of the media. They could easily go for another £100m (after Cunha’s transfer) without a problem.”
It is a big revelation that United still have significant headroom to spend despite triggering Cunha’s release clause.
The Red Devils are looking to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford but the two clubs are yet to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.
The Bees are adamant about their valuation for the 25-year-old, demanding a fee in the same region as Cunha’s.
Apart from Cunha and Mbeumo, the Old Trafford outfit also want to sign an elite centre-forward.
They are linked with Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike, but none will come cheap.
By selling Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, United will further increase their financial headroom. The departure of the trio will also trim their bloated wage bill.
The true test for INEOS will be balancing smart recruitment with ruthless exits.
While the focus often falls on high-profile arrivals, selling will be absolutely crucial for the Red Devils. They need to cut ties with players who no longer suit the project and fit in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation.