Manchester United are looking at an overhaul this summer and a high number of incomings and outgoings are expected.
The disappointing reality that Manchester United will not have Champions League football this season is already clear. Now we wait to see if we will have any European football at all.
This means that to strengthen the morelimited transfer budget, Manchester United will look to sell players who are surplus to requirements.
Approximately £600,000 could be saved on the wage bill alone by releasing Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams.
Varane and Martial are two of the club’s six highest earners, while The Telegraph report United are open to offers for Casemiro amid interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Ineos set on keeping Bruno Fernandes
The Saudi Pro League has interest in two Manchester United players who will be under contract next season, Casemiro andBruno Fernandes.
Bruno Fernandes rejected interest from Saudi Arabia last year, while Portuguese outlet Record claims he turned down an ‘astronomical’ offer from Al-Hilal as recently as January.
Fernandes recently addressed questions over his future, stating he wants to stay at Manchester United as long as he is wanted.
New investors Ineos are taking stock of their options at Manchester United, and it is claimed they have already made their mind up on Fernandes.
The Telegraph report that Ineos have ‘quickly concluded that the Portuguese international remains a critical part of the squad as a player but also as a leader.’
The Portugal international’s departure would only be considered if an ‘extraordinary’ offer was received, a statement you could probably use to describe the situation of any club and top level player in world football.
While Fernandes is among the club’s top six highest earners, the club captain presents good value for money and Ineos are clearly content to reduce the wage bill by offloading other players instead.
- READ MORE: Manchester United Player Wages 2023/24
Manchester United weaker without Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has a strong fitness record, until recently breaking his hand. He has missed the last two Manchester United games.
United have struggled to provide a threat without theclub’s top goalscorer and assist leader.
Rio Ferdinand spoke in the wake of Manchester United’s defeat at Arsenal, pointing out that every attacking player on the pitch looks poorer without Fernandes.
In the two matches Fernandes has missed against Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Manchester United have failed to score, and registered only four shots on target across 180 minutes.