The size of the task for Ruben Amorim at Manchester United is becoming increasingly obvious as the weeks go by. Going by the performances so far this season, there are only a few players who can be part of the future. The most obvious of these names are Amad Diallo, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt.
Urgent reinforcements are needed for Manchester United on the left flank, in centre midfield and upfront. But, the INEOS-led minority ownership, which is in charge of football operations at the club, has taken to pleading poverty. So, the only way to bring in the necessary players would be to generate funds through sales. There are players who cannot really be part of the plans going forward, like the injury-prone Luke Shaw or currently injured Victor Lindelof. But, they are almost impossible to sell. However, there are others who can be gotten rid of if the club acts decisively and sets low or fair prices.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford is the most obvious player to sell given recent issues. Moreover, he does not fit into an Amorim side. As a home-grown player, any money received for Rashford would be pure profit. So, even if the transfer fee seems low, selling him would be a good idea. The challenge will be finding takers who can afford his huge wages.
Marcus Rashford with his captain Bruno Fernandes | Reuters
The positive is that players who have left United are doing well for their new clubs—Jadon Sancho for Chelsea, Scott McTominay for Napoli, Mason Greenwood for Marseille and Anthony Elanga for Nottingham Forest, are examples. As a high-profile, proven goalscorer, it should be possible to find a club willing to take a risk on Rashford if United remain reasonable. Something in the range of £30 million would be a good deal, considering the circumstances.
This money is technically enough to bring in multiple players using amortisation (spreading out the transfer fee over the extent of a contract; so, a £50 million signing on a five-year contract would be accounted as a £10 million signing for the first year).
Casemiro
he second most obvious player to sell is Casemiro. After an excellent first season, the Brazilian’s form has fallen off a cliff. At his best, Casemiro would have been a good fit into Amorim’s system. But, as things stand, it is not possible to trust him as one of the two midfielders on the field. And, he seems to have lost some fitness, too. Into his 30s now, Casemiro is unlikely to have the legs to carry on in this system for the remainder of his contract even if he finds form.
[FILE] Casemiro
United paid £60 million upfront to sign him from Real Madrid. Even £15 million would be an acceptable deal if a club comes forward willing to pay his hefty wages (reportedly over £300,000 per week).
Antony
Antony is another huge mistake that United made in the past. The £80 million winger look okay under Amorim and may possibly attract bidders. But the club can expect, at most £15-20 million for the Brazilian.
Antony with Ruben Amorim | Reuters
United should gulp down a bitter pill of financial losses as it seems improbable for Antony to turn around his stint at United. However, stranger things have happened and it will depend on how much Amorim feels he can get out of the Brazilian and how much the club can get for him.
Joshua Zirkzee
Though Joshua Zirkzee only came in during the summer window, his time at the club has not been good. A technically sound striker, the Dutchman is another player who is not the best match for Amorim. There is said to be interest from Italy's Serie A, a league in which he impressed and is almost certain to succeed yet again on return.
Joshua Zirkzee | AFP
United may not have to take a loss and should hold out for £35-40 million (Zirkzee was signed for £36 million, spread out over three years). While Antony may not need to be replaced immediately, Zirkzee can be sold only with a replacement strategy in place given how light United are in the striker position.
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro | Reuters
There has been talk of a loan for Alejandro Garnacho to Atletico Madrid, with a €60 million buy clause. This may not be the worst idea, since nobody is likely to offer that much for the Argentine in January. If the transfer eventually materialises, it will also be a hugely profitable deal. If he stays and has a bad season, it may affect his value. And, it is difficult to see him having a good season. So, if an offer to buy Garnacho comes in, it may not be a bad idea to sell him in January, despite the massive potential he showed early in his United career.
