Man Utd is trying to sell four key players before the transfer deadline, with their asking prices now coming out.
A year ago, as Ruben Amorim started his first — and only — pre-season as Manchester United boss, he left behind a group of players who were out of favor, as he and the squad traveled to the USA for the summer tour. This so-called ‘bomb squad’ included Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho. Of those five, only Rashford stayed at United after Barcelona decided not to make his loan move permanent.
Amorim’s replacement, Michael Carrick, has taken a different approach. Instead of leaving these surplus players behind at the training ground, he’s included them in the pre-season squad. Even though these players are likely to be sold this summer, they are involved in training and matches while the club looks for buyers. The goal is to raise funds to strengthen Carrick’s team and keep the club within the Premier League’s strict financial rules.
So, who might leave Old Trafford this summer? Let’s take a look.
Rashford is back after Barcelona passed on signing him permanently, choosing instead to buy his England teammate Anthony Gordon for £80 million. Rashford joined pre-season training and traveled with the team to Dublin, but he’s still open to a move if the right offer comes in. United want about £25 million for their homegrown talent, who once seemed destined for a brilliant career at the club but has since struggled and now faces an uncertain future at 28. The main hurdle is his £300,000-a-week salary, which few clubs can match. Rashford will likely need to take a pay cut or go out on loan again, neither of which is ideal for him or United, who’d prefer to sell him.
Similar to Rashford, forward Brian Brobbey has also fallen out of favor. United are looking at options for both a permanent transfer and loan deal for the Dutch player, who joined two years ago for £36.5 million but hasn’t made a big impact. He has scored only five goals in 56 Premier League games, and his confidence hit a low point when Old Trafford fans cheered his substitution after just 33 minutes in a poor performance last December.
Juventus has shown interest in Brobbey, with a loan likely but a permanent move possible. United value him at around £25 million. With other forwards like Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbuemo, Amad, and captain Bruno Fernandes leading the line, there’s no room for Brobbey at the Theatre of Dreams.
Central defender Matthijs de Ligt hasn’t played since November due to a back injury that kept him out last season. Before that, he was a key player, starting the first 13 games and playing every minute. After surgery in May, he missed the World Cup but is now back in pre-season training in Dublin. However, with Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, and Lisandro Martinez ahead of him, United might decide to sell the 27-year-old, who joined from Bayern Munich two years ago for £38.5 million. His injury history might deter some clubs, though.
If United sell a centre-back this summer, the choice is likely between de Ligt and Martinez. Martinez also missed much of last season due to injury but did play seven of Argentina’s eight World Cup games, including the final, where he left early with a thigh injury. Since arriving with Erik ten Hag in 2022, injuries have often sidelined Martinez, including a broken metatarsal, a torn ACL, and a calf strain. His tough playing style contributes to his time off the pitch.
Martinez’s contract ends next summer, with an option to extend for a year. United might choose to sell him now while his reputation is still strong after the World Cup. They could get up to £40 million, which, given his age (28) and injury record, would be hard to turn down.