Given the volume of spending over the last couple of years, cuts have been made behind the scenes and to the playing squad of Manchester United over recent months.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wasted no time in trimming costs to avoid any financial issues at Old Trafford, with numerous players leaving the North West throughout the campaign to generate funds and clear the wage bill.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka departed in a £15m deal to join West Ham United in the summer, ending his five-year stint with the Red Devils after joining from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019.
Wan-Bissaka
However, his move has enabled the 27-year-old to recapture his best form away from the North West, notching two goals and two assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.
He’s not the only former United player to depart this season and impress away from the club, with huge regrets undoubtedly over a decision to allow him to depart given his rise to stardom elsewhere.
Scott McTominay’s stats for Napoli in 2024/25
Back in August last year, United decided to sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Italian side Napoli, leaving the side after seven years in the first-team and recruiting a £25m fee in the process.
The Scottish international made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring on 29 occasions, catching the eye with his box-crashing ability, often producing numerous key goals.
manchester-united-scott-mctominay-antony-premier-league-erik-ten-hag
However, his move to Naples has allowed the 28-year-old to take his game to the next level, registering seven goals and two assists in his first 28 appearances for the Italian giants.
Antonio Conte’s side currently sit in second place, just three points off leaders Inter Milan, with McTominay playing a key role in their chances of claiming the Scudetto at the end of the season.
Given his goalscoring run in Serie A, Ruben Amorim must wish the previous management team had kept hold of the Scottish international, but he could unleash his own version of the star in the near future.
The player who could be Amorim’s own McTominay
Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have been just two of the United youngsters who have been the beneficiaries of the ongoing injury issues at Old Trafford, making the jump into the first-team.
Ayden-Heaven-Man-United
Their positive performances have certainly opened the doors for other youngsters to follow suit in the near future, looking to cement their place in Amorim’s squad.
One player who’s more than deserving of the opportunity is midfielder Zach Baumann, who could follow in the footsteps of McTominay with the 18-year-old possessing a very similar skillset to the Scottish international.
The Ukrainian youngster has developed rapidly over the last couple of years, earning himself a professional contract at Old Trafford, highlighting his impressive displays at various youth levels.
This season alone, the “superb” Baumann, as dubbed by one analyst, the teenager has registered 11 appearances in all competitions, including one in the UEFA Youth League.
Zach Baumann's stats for Man Utd at Youth Level (2024/25)
Competition
U18 Premier League
Premier League 2
UEFA Youth League
FA Youth Cup
Total:
Stats via Transfermarkt
He’s capable of operating in either an attacking or defensive midfield role, similar to that of McTominay, but he’s also showcased his ability to be in key positions in the final third, allowing him to find the back of the net.
Baumann has been a regular in the U18 side, notching two goal contributions in his seven appearances, helping the Red Devils youngsters sit second, just a couple of points off rivals Manchester City.
Given the sale of McTominay in the summer, the first team have been desperate for a player of a similar profile to replace him, offering that added threat in the final third despite mainly being a box-to-box option.
Baumann may only be 18, but should he continue on his current trajectory, he could easily force himself into Amorim’s plans, potentially saving the club millions in the years ahead.
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