Manchester United have endured somewhat of an overhaul of the squad this summer, with Ruben Amorim splashing the cash during his first summer window at Old Trafford.
With less than a week remaining until the market slams shut, the 40-year-old has already spent around £200m – all on players within the final third of the pitch.
Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have all made the move to the Theatre of Dreams, but none of the stars have yet netted their first goal in any of the first two Premier League outings.
Players such as Victor Lindelof, Christian Eriksen and Jonny Evans were released at the start of the summer, freeing up some of the funds to land the aforementioned trio.
However, further players are likely to be offloaded before Monday’s deadline, with numerous players touted with big-money moves away from Amorim’s side.
The latest on United’s potential departures this summer
Kobbie Mainoo has emerged as a surprise option to depart United in the coming days, after being an unused substitute in each of the club’s two opening league outings.
The likes of Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro have all been preferred over the academy graduate in recent days – casting doubt over his long-term future at Old Trafford.
As a result, the 20-year-old is now said to be open to a departure before the deadline, with the likes of Real Madrid and Chelsea monitoring his current situation – with a £45m transfer fee being mooted.
The Englishman is not the only player touted with an exit, with bomb squad member Alejandro Garnacho edging ever closer to a departure, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The journalist claims that the Argentine’s move to join Chelsea is now “very advanced” after the player rejected a proposal from Saudi Arabia – stating he only wants to move to Stamford Bridge.
It’s also been reported that a fee in the region of £50m with future add-ons has been agreed, with only minor details remaining before the 21-year-old departs Amorim’s side.
Why United selling £50m star would be a bigger blow than Mainoo
Mainoo has endured somewhat of a rapid rise over the last couple of years, with no supporter able to envisage the impact he would’ve had on the first-team squad.
There’s no denying that the Red Devils have fallen way below the expectations set by the fanbase, but the 20-year-old midfielder has often been a shining light – often popping up in crucial moments.
He announced himself to the supporters with a last-minute strike against Wolves back in February 2024, with his effort securing a 4-3 win for the club at Molineux.
Goals in the FA Cup and against Lyon in the Europa League have further highlighted the impact he’s made within the first-team, with the hierarchy potentially living to regret any deal that would see him depart the Theatre of Dreams.
However, a deal for Garnacho to depart could arguably be a bigger blow, losing another top youth prospect who could develop into an elite-level forward.
The Argentine made his debut for the Red Devils back in April 2022 – going on to rack up just shy of 150 appearances, and looking like the future of the club at one stage.
Despite scoring 11 times and producing 10 assists across all competitions throughout 2024/25, he was left on the bench for the Europa League final – prompting a fall-out with the manager after comments on social media.
He’s since been placed in the bomb squad at Old Trafford, but it could prove to be a decision that comes back to bite them – especially if he moves to a divisional rival.
Garnacho’s tally of 21 goal contributions last season showcases the talent he possesses within forward areas, something which the Red Devils have lacked already this campaign.
Games played
36
Minutes played
2195
Goals & assists
8
Shots on target
1.2
Pass accuracy
83%
Chances created
1.5
Successful dribbles
1.1
Touches in opposition box
7.6
Fouls won
1.8
Amorim’s side have only netted one goal in the opening two league outings, with the youngster able to help the side in their quest should they keep hold of him beyond the summer.
However, it appears as though he’s set to leave in favour of a move to Chelsea, with the Blues potentially getting themselves a bargain given his output and tender age – having the potential to explode in the capital.
There’s no denying that Amorim wants to make his own stamp on the squad – but selling star youngsters like Mainoo and Garnacho could turn ugly, especially if they can fulfil their potential away from Old Trafford in the years ahead.