Manchester United has finalized a signing that, for the second time this summer, feels like a step forward.
However, if United aims to continue enhancing a team that hit rock bottom after an embarrassingly close call with relegation last season, they must find a way to swiftly resolve the ongoing sales situation.
In a transfer window where outgoing transfers are crucial for squad morale and to finance a much-needed rebuild, INEOS and director of football Jason Wilcox should focus on offloading a lengthy list of players who are not part of Ruben Amorim's vision.
So, which players are available for transfer and what interest do they attract?
1. Marcus Rashford
Rashford enjoyed a promising loan period atAston Villa, where, while not making a huge impact, he regained some form and earned an England recall from Thomas Tuchel in March. Unlike others on this transfer list, the Manchester United academy graduate possesses an impressive resume that could entice potential buyers.
At his peak during Rashford's time at United, he has been unstoppable, and a confident Rashford would be a valuable asset to most teams.
The challenge the wide forward faces is that he hasn't consistently performed at those levels from season to season. When considering his exorbitant wages, he suddenly becomes a player that few clubs can afford, and even fewer are willing to take the risk due to his inconsistency.
That said, David Ornstein has indicated that Barcelona are nearing a loan agreement for Rashford with a buy option after failing to secure Nico Williams.
A loan deal is ideal for INEOS and Ruben Amorim, who both agree that Rashford's future at the club is uncertain. However, given Rashford's high wages and the lack of interest from other clubs, reaching an agreement with Barcelona for a loan with a buy option is beneficial for all involved.
2. Alejandro Garnacho
The second prominent winger who has fallen out of favor with the relentless Amorim is Garnacho. Not long ago, the Argentine was Erik ten Hag's star player. Garnacho quickly became a fan favorite due to his directness, bravery, and ability to deliver spectacular moments.
However, after Amorim's appointment in November of last season, Garnacho struggled to adapt to the new system and saw his playing time diminish. This resulted in him being on the field for just 20 minutes in the Europa League final – a decision Garnacho did not take lightly.
After the match, the 21-year-old expressed to the media: "Up until the (Europa League) final, I played every round contributing to the team...
"Then the final comes, and I only play 20 minutes? I'm not sure. I will try to enjoy the summer, and then we will see what happens."
Unsurprisingly, Amorim did not respond well to those remarks, and it was soon reported that Garnacho would be removed from the squad and made available for transfer. The Argentine was absent from United's squad for the last match of the season. Amorim is principled and is unlikely to change his stance on Garnacho.
So, what are Garnacho's next steps? Chelsea seems to be the most probable destination right now, and if a deal can be struck, it would benefit both parties. Chelsea would be acquiring a highly talented player who could develop into one of the league's top left-wingers.
The concern lies in the player's attitude issues, which have caused him problems on multiple occasions early in his career. If Enzo Maresca can address those issues, he will have a valuable addition to a young, ambitious, and exceptionally talented squad. What might be on Chelsea's mind is the recent disappointing loan spell of another Manchester United player, Jadon Sancho
Is it too risky to invest in a young United winger with similar attitude issues as Sancho?
This is where Garnacho might have painted himself into a corner, as reports suggest he is solely focused on a Premier League move. Overlooking interest from Napoli and other foreign suitors could turn out to be a costly error if he fails to secure a move in England by the end of August. If Garnacho or Rashford remain at the club by then, don’t expect Amorim to reintegrate them into his squad, at least not by choice.
This is a dilemma Manchester United could do without.
3. Jadon Sancho
We have already mentioned Sancho's disappointing loan stint at Chelsea, which led the Club World Cup champions to decline a permanent signing of the England winger. This has left United with another player who is not part of their plans after he disrespected the club on several occasions and had a fallout with former head coach Ten Hag. Sancho is a player, more than any other, who has no future prospects at the club.
The club hierarchy has leaked to the media that they want him to leave, and fortunately, there seems to be interested parties. Multiple Italian journalists have reported that Juventus are keen on signing Sancho permanently.
A move abroad appears to be the most sensible option, and Juventus might just provide Sancho with the reset his career desperately needs. He lacks the pace or physicality to thrive in the Premier League, but he has excelled during two stints in Germany, and he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for the Italian giants.
4. Antony
There is less animosity between Antony and Manchester United. However, that doesn’t mean he is part of Amorim's plans, as the Portuguese manager has clearly indicated through his actions that he does not hold Antony in high regard.
It is peculiar that after a highly successful loan at Real Betis in the latter half of last season, there has been little news about the Brazilian's future. One would expect significant interest in Antony following a loan where he not only showcased his talents but also became a fan favorite at Betis.
There is no doubt that Betis would welcome Antony back, but they cannot afford his transfer fee, and United are not interested in another loan arrangement. The coach who signed Antony, Ten Hag, is reportedly considering bringing the winger to his new club Bayer Leverkusen, although those links remain tentative for the time being.
There is still ample time left in the transfer window for a club to express interest, but out of all United's unwanted players, Antony's impressive performance in Spain should make him the most desirable, not the least.
Mass exodus or trouble for Manchester United
These are just the four most notable names in a lengthy list of players for whom United would entertain offers, including Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. The challenge ahead is immense, and United must act swiftly if they wish to generate funds to acquire a striker, goalkeeper, and central midfielder – three positions they aim to strengthen this summer, as reported by The Athletic.
The issue is, due to injury problems and lack of form, is there substantial interest in United's rejects or demand for players with complex personalities and high wages? These are the difficult questions confronting INEOS and Ruben Amorim, who may be reluctantly compelled to reintegrate players whose Manchester United journey seemed destined to end.
The challenge for INEOS is to prevent that outcome and provide their head coach with the overhaul he needs.
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