Manchester United are expected to sell a number of players this summer after some very early transfer calls from Rúben Amorim.
Rúben Amorim’s summer overhaul at Manchester United has begun in emphatic fashion, with the club announcing a £62.5 million agreement to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves on the first day of the transfer window.
Less than 24 hours later, there was more encouragement, as David Ornstein reported that Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is eager to join United, despite interest from Newcastle, Arsenal, and Spurs.
That was followed by a major boost off the pitch, with captain Bruno Fernandes opting to stay at Old Trafford, rejecting a massive offer from Saudi giants Al-Hilal.
With two key additions in the works and Fernandes staying put, United’s attention will now turn to outgoings to help fund the next phase of Amorim’s rebuild.
Four players “likely to leave” United this summer
Amid United’s need for a clearout, there are a number of players who are almost nailed to depart in the coming months, with those such as Tyrell Malacia, Marcus Rashford, and Jadon Sancho all surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
However, the future of other players like Ramsus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho remains in the balance, while MailSport have drawn up a list of those “likely to leave” the club.
Within this list are Antony, following his six-month loan at Real Betis; Garnacho, who has been told he can find a new club by Amorim; André Onana, who has failed to impress in goal; and the surprise addition of Kobbie Mainoo.
Mainoo is one of the brightest young talents to emerge from the Academy in the last decade, but has struggled with injury issues since Amorim’s arrival.
Neville thinks selling Mainoo is “a step too far”
Despite the above report, it has also been detailed elsewhere that selling Mainoo is very low down on United’s priority list, but could rise if the player and club do not agree on fresh contract terms before the end of the summer.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, It’s Called Soccer!, United legend and former captain Gary Neville explained his dismay at the suggestion that United could sell Mainoo.
“Mainoo? No. That’s a step too far,” Neville said. “If we can’t give Kobbie Mainoo a job in that two in midfield…
“When I see Vitinha [in the Champions League final] play for Paris Saint-Germain, or João Neves, I look at Mainoo and I look at the way he plays football and I think, I tell you what, a top club will want him. Now why can’t we make him a top player if he’s one of ours and he’s shown talent?
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“Now, I don’t know what’s going on there in the last few months, he’s obviously had some injuries this season which has obviously caused him a problem so he needs to stay fit, but I’d like to think that he could be one of that two in midfield that Ruben Amorim plays.
“But, I think we should be building around Kobbie Mainoo in that centre of midfield, not just because he’s come through the ranks.
“I’m alright for getting rid of players that have come through the ranks, but not players who’ve come through the ranks and haven’t had the ability to go and show what they can do. Mainoo’s a no for me, that boy doesn’t leave.”
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