Manchester United will need to prioritise the sale of players this summer to compensate for the financial strain they face.
While United remain highly cash-generative at an operational level, financial flexibility has been curtailed by recent outlays.
Spending on player transfers, interest payments on loans and a £50million investment in the Carrington training complex have restricted their capacity to move aggressively in the transfer market.
The Athletic reveals that “by March 31, the net amount they owe out on transfer instalments had grown further to £308.9million, with £175.5m due to be paid before the end of March 2026.”
Despite avoiding regulatory trouble, the club is in need of a squad overhaul.
One possible departure is Antony. Real Betis are reportedly interested in turning the Brazilian’s loan into a permanent deal.
United spent £82million to sign him from Ajax in 2022, but his value on the books has now dropped to around £37million. A sale below that would count as a loss on paper.
Nevertheless, it may be a necessary hit. With PSR headroom intact, any incoming cash from sales would help reduce the need to draw down on credit again – a crucial step towards easing the club’s debt burden.
Antony reportedly earns around £105,000 per week. Without European football, every £6.3million saved annually through wages could make a significant difference to Amorim’s summer plans.
Missing out on European competition has hit United hard. Fans will be disappointed, but the financial impact is perhaps more severe. Without that revenue, any major recruitment will likely require funds raised from sales.
Antony’s respectable showing at Betis could attract interest and a solid fee. But he may not be the only one sacrificed. Alejandro Garnacho was reportedly told to find a new club, suggesting Amorim has other ideas for the wing.
Jadon Sancho, who endured a difficult loan spell at Chelsea, could also be moved on. Marcus Rashford, fresh from a productive stint at Aston Villa, may draw offers too.
For Amorim to rebuild with intent, a clear-out may be as important as any new signing.
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Raj Dholakia
Raj is a seasoned digital writer and editor with a deep-seated passion for football. With over four years in the digital space, he has contributed to Sportlens, ManUtdNews, and is now proudly writing for The Peoples Person. His work is driven by a commitment to capture the essence of football, delivering content that speaks to the heart of fans worldwide.
