Manchester United will rely on player sales in order to fund their own transfer business this summer.
The finances at Old Trafford will have Sir Jim Ratcliffe sweating with Manchester United close to their PSR limit after heavy spending and huge losses in recent years.
In order to raise funds, Ineos want to make over £100 million in sales, which should allow Ruben Amorim to overhaul his squad for the 2025/26 campaign.
Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho are all expected to be sold which should raise significant funds, but others will have to head for the exit too.
Alejandro Garnacho has been told to leave following his Europa League final comments, but both Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo have also been at the centre of transfer speculation.
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Ineos must choose between Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo
United captain Bruno Fernandes has been linked to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal willing to offer £100 million for the Portuguese playmaker.
Fernandes’ agent has held talks with Al-Hilal and it seems the 31-year-old is considering his options after another disappointing season at Old Trafford.
Additionally, Ineos were open to £70m+ offers for Mainoo in January and contract talks with the 20-year-old have proven difficult.
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According to iNews, Ineos believe selling Fernandes will help them keep hold of Mainoo this summer.
Ineos face a huge decision over which midfielder they should keep if United are still required to complete another big sale.
While Mainoo represents United’s future, Amorim is desperate to keep Fernandes as an integral part of his rebuilding project.
Ruben Amorim still has doubts over Kobbie Mainoo
Amorim has been full of praise for Mainoo this season, but at the same time he has struggled to find his best position in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Amorim is concerned about Mainoo’s fitness levels, which could limit his ability to play in the double pivot in midfield.
Physicality is something Amorim wants to improve in his squad over the summer, and it seems Mainoo doesn’t fit what the Portuguese coach is looking for.
READ MORE: Kobbie Mainoo could leave Man Utd this summer, it’s him or his teammate, claims Rio Ferdinand
However, a deeper look into statistics shows that Mainoo covers plenty of ground in midfield, and his ability both in and out of possession is invaluable.
Kobbie Mainoo has covered more distance (70km), completed more take-ons (14), won more tackles (13) and won more fouls (10) tha any other Man Utd player in the Premier League this season.
A HUGE loss for #MUFC. 😳 pic.twitter.com/cjXz4PRESN
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) October 17, 2024
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There have also been concerns about Fernandes in Amorim’s system, with Paul Scholes questioning if his blend between playing midfield and attack can confuse the tactics.