Manchester United is gearing up for a seismic shakeup at Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe leading a no-holds-barred squad overhaul to cut costs and reallocate funds for manager Ruben Amorim’s rebuild.
Amid underwhelming performances and mounting financial pressures, the club has reportedly opened the door to offers for nearly every player in their squad, including some of the team’s biggest names.
The primary targets for departure are Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, and Antony—three high-profile players whose combined weekly wages exceed £875,000. Rashford, a product of United’s academy and valued at £45 million, is seen as a priority sale due to the financial benefit his transfer would bring under profit and sustainability rules (PSR). Casemiro and Antony, meanwhile, are being assessed for their inconsistent performances versus their hefty wage demands.
The squad shakeup stems from a broader strategy to slash United’s bloated wage bill by an estimated £1 million per week. Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures already include staff layoffs and adjustments to ambassadorial roles, but the playing squad represents the next—and most impactful—frontier in this financial restructuring.
While Rashford, Casemiro, and Antony head the exit list, Amorim’s plans also extend to the squad’s younger talents. Rising stars Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho have reportedly drawn interest, with Chelsea linked to Mainoo and Garnacho surprisingly included in potential sales discussions. However, insiders suggest that only an extraordinary offer would pry Mainoo away, particularly as United looks to secure the midfielder on a new deal.
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Garnacho’s inclusion in these talks underlines the uncompromising nature of United’s approach. Despite being hailed as one of the club’s most exciting young prospects, the winger’s future is seemingly up for negotiation—a clear signal of Amorim’s intent to reshape his team without sentimentality.
A handful of players remain untouchable in Amorim’s eyes, including captain Bruno Fernandes, defender Leny Yoro, and wing-back Amad Diallo, who is nearing a contract extension. Diogo Dalot and Manuel Ugarte, both integral to Amorim’s system, are also safe from the transfer list, with Dalot’s versatility and Ugarte’s improving form making them vital components of the squad.
Others, however, are firmly in the shop window. Veteran players Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof are all out of contract this summer and will not receive extensions. Meanwhile, Luke Shaw’s recurring injury problems could see him sacrificed to make way for a new left-sided wing-back.
Even relatively new signings are not immune. Rasmus Højlund, brought in for a staggering £72 million last year, could be moved on as Amorim eyes a more clinical striker. Viktor Gyökeres, who thrived under Amorim at Sporting Lisbon, is rumored to be the manager’s top choice to lead United’s attack.
Season Is Dissapointing
The scale of the planned clearout underscores the challenges United faces in reshaping a squad widely viewed as underperforming and overpaid. Despite the team’s promising 2-2 draw against Premier League leaders Liverpool—a performance many considered their best under Amorim—the overall trajectory this season has been disappointing.
Compounding the issue is the difficulty of finding buyers for players on inflated wages. While United is willing to accept reasonable offers for most of the squad, many clubs lack the financial capacity to match the lucrative contracts on offer at Old Trafford. This mismatch between valuation and market demand could hinder United’s ability to execute their ambitious plans.
The coming weeks will test United’s resolve and ability to adapt to a dynamic transfer market. For Amorim, this window represents a critical opportunity to mold the team in his image, even as he grapples with the financial and logistical hurdles of moving on high-earning players.
As the January transfer window heats up, United’s bold strategy could either set the stage for a transformative rebuild or leave them grappling with the same issues that have plagued their recent campaigns. One thing is certain: the winds of change are blowing through Old Trafford, and no one is safe from their reach.
