Manchester United are ready to sell Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to land Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba
Manchester United appear ready to make big changes to their midfield, and reports from TEAMtalk indicate the club could even sacrifice Bruno Fernandes to make that possible.
They want to go after Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, and early figures indicate the trio may cost around £250 million. United plan to focus on signing younger, more energetic players with strength and quality in that area, and so they seem willing to part with experienced figures if it helps free up funds.
Fernandes remains one of their most influential players, but the hierarchy reportedly believes this might be their last realistic chance to receive a substantial fee for him.
Manchester United are ready to sell Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford to land Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba.
Fernandes is not getting any younger
The United captain has a deal with the club till 2027, and the club feels that they will get interest from Saudi Arabia, like they received last summer. If an interest from Saudi Arabia appears yet again, United will receive a major financial boost from the Portuguese international’s sale.
Meanwhile, the club is also looking at letting Casemiro and Marcus Rashford leave the club to reduce their wage bill and clear up finances. The Brazilian’s contract expires in June 2026, while Rashford is on loan at Barcelona till the end of the season.
Some fans might question the club’s decision to let so many experienced players leave the club, but United are ready to bank on fresh blood and go into a full rebuilding mode.
The Red Devils are looking to develop their squad slowly and not stick to emotional loyalty. United have understood that they would need to make some brave decisions to restructure their squad. Only time will tell whether they are successful or not, but for now, United are not hesitating in their approach.
Why are Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton the need of the hour?
Ruben Amorim’s structure needs discipline, fluid passing lanes, and sustained midfield output, so it makes sense to restructure Manchester United’s core. Under a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1, he expects midfielders who possess positional awareness, stamina and technical clarity.
Anderson and Wharton appear to fit that approach much better. Wharton keeps the ball moving with control, often threading progressive passes without forcing his choices. Meanwhile, Anderson presses relentlessly, helps when the team shifts wide, and times his runs to drag markers out of midfield lines. Both bring the spark and athletic drive that Amorim demands.
However, the club needs decisive action to create room for the duo. Fernandes still has the quality, but he is over 30, and he takes risks too frequently in deeper areas, exposing gaps that Amorim’s structure rejects.
If the Red Devils sell him next summer, it will fund reinforcements and clear important space for two necessary profiles. Casemiro struggles physically and puts a strain on wages, so the club will secure flexibility by releasing him.
Moreover, Rashford’s time at Old Trafford appears to be nearing its conclusion, and he is reportedly settling in well at Barcelona. If United can sell him permanently, it will lift PSR strain and make the situation clearer for everyone.