United Beyond Manchester

Manchester United’s season has been a disaster on and off the pitch. Ruben Amorim’s men sit 15th in the Premier League with no signs of improvement. While the Europa League provides slight hope for European football next year, the performances do not provide any confidence that the team can get the job done.

Off the field, Manchester United just reported a 12% revenue decrease in the last financial quarter. Club personnel, fans, and even legends have been forced to pay the price for mishandled business decisions, such as the hiring and firing of Dan Ashworth and the sacking of Erik Ten Hag.

Due to United’s financial situation, there were talks about offloading young stars during the January transfer window. The club was open to offers for players like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to remain compliant with PSR rules. Ultimately, both stayed, which was a win for the players and fans.

However, after more dismal financial results, the club could revisit moving Mainoo or Garnacho this summer, setting a dangerous precedent for the club.

If Manchester United were to sell either of these talented young players to a big club, they would be parting with potential game-changers. Such a move is more characteristic of a mid-table team, rather than one aspiring to challenge for a top-four finish.

Mid-table clubs promote academy talent to the first team and generate funds to improve the team as a whole. In contrast, top clubs sell talent who can’t break into the first team, not star starters who are developing into world-class footballers.

Prioritizing the exits of aging stars like Casemiro and loanees like Tyrell Malacia and Antony should be a key focus this summer and can help the club avoid the sales of young stars. Malacia and Antony have shown flashes of brilliance since joining PSV and Real Betis, respectively, which could enhance the fees Manchester United could earn from their sales. Also, Marcus Rashford’s loan to Aston Villa includes an obligation-to-buy clause, which is around €50 million.

Manchester United’s return to the top is inevitable but moves like selling Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho to atone for the sins of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazers will only delay that return.