Manchester United have had a good summer transfer window, so far, but a nightmare scenario could unfold if they aren't careful.
Man Utd forward Alejandro Garnacho.
Man Utd forward Alejandro Garnacho.(Image: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
You would be hard-pressed to find a Manchester United fan who has been unimpressed by the manner in which the summer transfer window has played out for the club, so far.
After losing the Europa League final and, in turn, missing out on Champions League qualification, the fear was that the Old Trafford giants may be hampered both financially and in terms of the quality of players they could attract. And, yet, Matheus Cunha, Diego Leon, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have all come through the door and no doubt strengthened the squad.
However, United cannot rest on their laurels. They want to add a central midfielder to their squad and Brighton's Carlos Baleba has been heavily linked with them.
But, if they are going to do that, they will need to sell players and time is running out to do just that. With this in mind, The Manchester Evening News has taken a look at how a worst-case scenario might play out;
Garnacho transfer breakdown
Regardless of whether or not Baleba signs, Alejandro Garnacho is one of only a few players still remaining on their books with actual re-sale value at present. Chelsea have been leading the race for the Argentine who's considered to be 'pure profit' in accounting terms.
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However, their valuation and United's valuation seem wholly different - right now - so the worst-case scenario would be for the Blues to eventually pull out a deal. Garnacho could then decide to dig his heels in further and block transfers to other clubs outside of the Premier League, leaving the club with a player that does not fit the manager's plans and continues to depreciate.
Player revolt
United have more than just Garnacho they need and want to sell this summer. While Rasmus Hojlund seems open to the opportunity of playing for AC Milan this term, question marks remain over Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.
The 'bomb squad' trio could probably find clubs in the Turkish and Saudi Arabian leagues - where their transfer windows stay open for longer. But, should they decide that they do not want to move to a club like Al-Nassr or Besiktas, that would be a disaster for United.
They could end up being a further drain on United's expenses and leave the Old Trafford giants with concerns on their Financial Fair Play (FFP) status.
Fire sale opportunity?
Speaking of those concerns, United need to balance their books before June 30, 2026. The longer it goes without sales being completed, the more chance there is of the club needing to complete a fire sale just to rectify matters in their accounts.
While on the surface this could seem like a good solution, it would also see United accepting lower offers and not bringing in the value that would see them re-invest again next summer. What's more, should United not qualify for European football next season, their transfer activity will depend even more on sales.
That's why a fire sale to make the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) cut would be a disaster and will sum up the worst case scenario for the Reds if it were to happen.
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