Manchester United were not afraid to state their intentions during Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first summer transfer window.
The Red Devils, who were plagued by Financial Fair Play (FFP) issues last January, were eager to cash out ahead of the 2024/25 season and have already parted with a hefty transfer fee.
Their summer business is unlikely to be over as Man Utd look to make amends for a poor 2023/24 campaign, but making lucrative deals will not be easy as they look to comply with FFP regulations.
The Red Devils have been busy strengthening their squad this summer and have already seen Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee arrive at Old Trafford. The former made his debut in the recent win over Rangers and repaid Man Utd's £42m initial move for Lille, which could include £10m in add-ons. The 18-year-old is the present and the future.
Man Utd's new number nine in the winter window has been secured this summer, with Bologna's Zikzee making a move to join fellow Dutchman Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. The young striker cost the club less than his £34m release clause as it allowed them to pay the fee in multiple instalments.
Man Utd have recouped some of the money spent on Yoro and Zirkzee during the transfer window, with the sale of four key players. Mason Greenwood is the biggest sale in terms of revenue, with his £26.6m move to Marseille freeing up funds.
Young academy prospects Willy Kambwala and Alvaro Fernandez have joined Villarreal and Benfica respectively, for a combined £11.4m. Forgotten Dutchman Donny van de Beek has also left the club to join Girona, first joining Man Utd for just £420,000. However, he could cost the Spanish club up to £16.9m in performance-related add-ons, most of which are deemed reasonably achievable.
Man Utd continue to be linked with a number of top names, including the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite. But can they sign these players without breaking FFP rules?
Football finance expert Dave Powell has suggested that Man Utd must sell players before committing to a transfer fee. The Red Devils have 'flexibility' when it comes to recruitment, but they still have to allow sales.
Speaking about Man Utd's spending spree, Powell said: “Now in the new financial year, Manchester United have more flexibility, although the sale of players like Donny van de Beek, Willy Kambwala and Alvaro Fernandez should be instructive. on United's approach to the summer window.
“For them to be added in the future, like Jarrad Branthwaite, they will have to go to the source of selling talent.”
Fortunately, Man Utd have plenty of wood that can earn them some extra cash. Casemiro is one of those linked with a move away in the summer and Saudi Arabia are reportedly keen on the Brazilian, who has endured a poor 2023/24 campaign. The Red Devils will be aiming to milk him more than his price.
Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could all be sold at the back to make room for new players. The latter has been heavily linked with a move to West Ham United.
Going forward, Scott McTominay could be another useful resource. The Scotsman may have scored important goals last season, but failed to secure a consistent place in the starting XI. Fulham have been sniffing around for his signing.
Christian Eriksen may also be released as he is about to finish his career, while Jadon Sancho may be allowed to leave. While the winger is patching things up with Ten Hag, he is attracting 'massive interest' from Paris Saint-Germain.
Man Utd won't be able to recoup Antony's nearly £82m fee as much as they would have liked, but the Brazilian could be in a position to leave this summer after a number of poor campaigns.
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