Manchester United are reportedly open to considering serious offers for players who were once considered untouchable. Among these are Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund, players who had previously been viewed as central to the club’s future under former manager Erik ten Hag.
The decision comes as part of a broader strategy under new manager Ruben Amorim, who took charge of the team in October and is now looking to implement his vision and strengthen the squad according to his tactical preferences.
United, who have been under financial constraints due to the profitability and sustainability regulations imposed by the Premier League, have acknowledged that managing squad depth efficiently is now more important than ever.
While they are not actively seeking to offload these players, the club’s owners, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have recognized that generating funds through player sales could play a crucial role in balancing the books.
With limited funds available for new signings, departures from the club could become a key component in maintaining the necessary financial flexibility to support Amorim’s squad revamp.
Potential Departures and the Changing Transfer Strategy
The willingness to listen to offers for the aforementioned trio of Mainoo, Garnacho, and Højlund marks a significant shift in United’s transfer policy. Under Ten Hag, these players were regarded as core members of the squad.
Mainoo, a talented English midfielder, was particularly seen as an emerging talent with a promising future at the club. Garnacho, an exciting winger, and Højlund, a promising striker, were both viewed as part of United’s long-term plans.
However, Amorim’s arrival has brought a new outlook, and the club is now open to reconsidering the status of all players, including these once considered “untouchable.”
While Manchester United are not actively looking to sell the trio, they will entertain credible bids should they arise. The club’s financial reality has forced them to be pragmatic, and any substantial offers for these players would not be automatically dismissed.
It is also worth noting that the players in question have drawn interest from other top clubs. This includes Chelsea, who are reportedly monitoring Mainoo’s situation, though their focus is primarily on defensive reinforcements at this stage. Chelsea’s potential interest in Mainoo may gain momentum as the transfer window progresses.
Homegrown Players and Financial Implications
One of the key elements of this shift in strategy is United’s homegrown players, including Mainoo and Garnacho. Given that both players are academy graduates, any sale of them would see United make a significant profit, in line with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
As homegrown players, both Mainoo and Garnacho would contribute 100% profit to the club’s financial records under PSR regulations, making them more attractive options for sale from a financial standpoint.
Mainoo’s potential departure has been a subject of significant speculation, especially after his standout performances during the 2023/24 season.
Notably, he scored the decisive goal in the FA Cup final against Manchester City and earned recognition for his performances at Euro 2024, where he became a regular starter for England and played an integral role in their campaign.
With a contract that runs until 2028, signed in February 2023, Mainoo’s representatives will likely be keen to leverage any interest in him to secure a more lucrative contract, either at United or elsewhere.
For Garnacho, who has also impressed with his pace and creativity on the wing, the prospect of a transfer could depend on the direction Amorim decides to take his squad.
The 19-year-old Argentine, who has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career, could attract attention from top European clubs looking to bolster their attacking options.
However, United’s reluctance to sell could also play a part in any negotiations, as they would only entertain an offer that meets their valuation.
Similarly, Højlund, who arrived at United with high expectations as a forward with potential to become one of the Premier League’s standout strikers, could also face a period of uncertainty.
Despite his underwhelming start to life in Manchester, Amorim’s approach could unlock a new role for the Danish international.
However, any offers that come in for Højlund would still be carefully considered, particularly given the investment the club has made in him.
New Manager, New System, and Player Evaluation
Ruben Amorim’s appointment has signaled a new tactical direction for Manchester United, and with that comes the need to reshape the squad to better fit his system.
The 3-4-3 formation he is keen to implement requires specific types of players, particularly in wide areas and midfield, as well as solid depth in central defense.
This has created a scenario where the club must evaluate its current squad and determine which players are best suited to Amorim’s style and vision.
The club’s transition under Amorim could involve further signings tailored to the new system. The ongoing talks regarding potential departures are likely to be influenced by these changes.
Players like Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee, who were brought in during the summer, could also face uncertain futures depending on their adaptation to the system and their perceived value in the evolving squad.
For the likes of Mainoo, Garnacho, and Højlund, the club’s stance remains one of cautious evaluation. The trio will likely still be seen as important assets, but Amorim may prioritize strengthening specific areas, especially in defense and midfield, over keeping players who do not fully fit his plans.
The Case of Casemiro and Other Key Players
Beyond the younger talents, United’s more senior players are also under scrutiny. Casemiro, one of the highest-paid players at Old Trafford, is reportedly being monitored by clubs in Saudi Arabia.
While there has been no formal offer for the 33-year-old Brazilian midfielder, his future could depend on United’s ability to make the necessary changes to their squad and financial structure.
Casemiro, whose contract runs until 2026, has been a pivotal figure for United since his move from Real Madrid, but his future at the club may become more uncertain as Amorim looks to refresh the midfield.
Conclusion
The transfer strategy under Ruben Amorim is poised to be one of both evolution and pragmatism, with a focus on strengthening key areas while managing the financial constraints the club faces.
The willingness to entertain offers for previously “untouchable” players like Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Højlund signals a shift in the club’s approach, particularly with the club facing limitations in player sales and incoming funds.
While these players remain valuable assets, United’s future may depend on finding the right balance between development and financial sustainability.
The next few months will likely reveal the full extent of the transition at Manchester United, as Amorim shapes his squad for the challenges ahead.
