With the signing of Matheus Cunha, the rumored arrival of Bryan Mbeumo, and Bruno Fernandes’ decision to turn down a hugely lucrative move to Al-Hilal in favor of remaining at Old Trafford, Manchester United is moving.
“Find another way to earn money” was the simple directive that Ruben Amorim gave to Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Manchester United leadership at the conclusion of the team’s post-season tour to Malaysia and Hong Kong.
When the Old Trafford talisman considered a £100 million move to Saudi team Al-Hilal, the United manager was questioned about Bruno Fernandes’ future.
For Amorim, despite the huge transfer fee and the fact Fernandes turns 31 later this year, the decision was a simple one for the club: Don’t sell. Keep our captain. Build from there
The Fernandes decision means the pressure is on to sell others to pay for more incomings.
Alejandro Garnacho, told he has no future at the club, will go. Marcus Rashford and Antony too. The question on the trio is how much United can get for them?
Jadon Sancho may be dumped back in United’s lap too, with Chelsea gearing up to spend £5m to NOT turn their loan deal permanent. Amorim will need to decide what to do with a player that fell out with Erik ten Hag.
United missed out on Liam Delap but Victor Osimhen remains admired and is an option, particularly as Napoli eye Garnacho. But the question is whether the finances, both with Napoli and the player, can be made to work.
The Nigeria international is wanted by clubs in Saudi too, and while he didn’t want to go there last summer, a hugely successful year in Turkey could have worked to either embolden his view or changed his mind. Make no mistake, he would be ideal.
And in midfield, with Fernandes due to drop into a deeper role next term for the most part, there is a spot to be filled, where both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte have been used.
The Brazilian is 33, on big money, and while Amorim has been hugely impressed by him, club chiefs would like to get him off the wage bill if possible. As for Ugarte, he’s had good moments and some that have been decidedly less stellar as he adapts to life in England.
