Man Utd ‘make three stars untouchable’ but will listen to offers for every other player in summer transfer window
MANCHESTER UNITED will “listen to offers” for all but THREE of their squad in this summer’s transfer window, according to reports.
New co-owners Ineos, headed up by British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are assuming control of football operations at Old Trafford and have already brought Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox in as chief executive and technical director.
Dan Ashworth is also expected to become sporting director, though as it stands he remains on gardening leave at Newcastle.
The fresh-looking set of Man Utd chiefs, which also includes Ineos Sport head Dave Brailsford, are set to employ a “sell to buy” transfer policy in the summer.
And according to The Telegraph, they are prepared to adopt an “ultra-flexible approach” to incomings and outgoings.
They are willing to listen to offers for almost everyone, with agents and rival clubs well aware of Man Utd’s pivoting transfer policy.
However, the young trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho are the only stars that will not be sold under any circumstances.
This is because they are deemed to be the future at Old Trafford.
Man Utd are financially restricted when it comes to who they can bring through the door due to the £555million spent over the last three summer windows.
They are also set to miss out on Champions League revenue, although they will make some of that money up as their players would take a 25 per cent pay cut as per the terms of their contracts.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
But, providing they can stay within Profit and Sustainability Rules, Man Utd chiefs have identified three areas to strengthen – centre-forward, central midfield and right-sided centre-back.
It is unlikely the Red Devils will be able to afford the likes of Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz – who are expected to be available in the coming months.
Meanwhile, a number of Man Utd players are listed within the report as those who could face the axe at the end of the season.
They include Marcus Rashford as the club is willing to consider a “credible” offer for the forward, although they are not actively looking to sell him.
If the England man expressly indicates a desire to leave then that would make a deal even more likely.
Other potential departures include Anthony Martial, Raphael Varane, Brandon Williams, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Mason Greenwood, Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen, Donny van de Beek and Casemiro.
Pundits verdict on Ten Hag's future
Where do the pundits stand on Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future
Jamie Carragher – Sacked
“I don’t see how Erik ten Hag stays. It’s just performance after performance.”
Gary Neville – Stay if he wins the FA Cup
“To sack a manager who’s won two trophies in his first two seasons at the club I think would be extreme.”
Louis Saha – On the fence
“I don’t see it as clearly but they need changes from the players but they need changes from him as well.”
Alan Shearer – Sacked
“I believe the future of the Man Utd manager is already determined. Even if they win the FA Cup I think he’s gone.”