Manchester United have placed several high-profile players—Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia, and Alejandro Garnacho—on the transfer list this summer, but so far, there have been few takers. With less than two months remaining in the transfer window, the Red Devils’ efforts to offload underperforming stars have hit several roadblocks.
Lack of Interest in Out-of-Form Stars
Despite giving the five players permission to miss pre-season training in hopes of securing moves, only Rashford has drawn any significant interest—and even that hasn’t progressed into a concrete deal. A key factor behind the lack of movement is the poor form many of these players have shown over the past couple of seasons, making them unattractive to potential buyers who now favor younger or more consistent talent.
Jadon Sancho, for example, was expected to join Chelsea on a permanent deal if they finished higher than 14th. Although the clause was triggered, Chelsea chose not to proceed with the transfer and instead paid a penalty, highlighting the growing reluctance to invest in the 24-year-old winger.
High Wages Driving Clubs Away
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Another major hurdle is the hefty wage packages these players are on. Several of them are reportedly unwilling to take pay cuts, making it difficult for interested clubs to justify the financial commitment. With many teams tightening their wage structures, United’s current asking prices and wage demands are proving prohibitive.
Oversaturation in Key Positions
There’s also a positional imbalance. United are trying to offload multiple left-wingers—Rashford, Sancho, and Garnacho—at a time when demand for left-sided attackers is low. According to The Athletic, there is currently an oversupply of left-wingers in the market, and top clubs are prioritizing right-sided attackers or more versatile options. Additionally, clubs are showing increased preference for rising stars over inconsistent established players.
United’s Transfer Strategy Complicated
United have only signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves so far, and their 15th-place Premier League finish last season has left fans frustrated with the lack of further reinforcements. Manager Ruben Amorim, speaking back in May, warned that without Champions League football, the club would need to adjust its expectations.
“Without the Champions League, we also don’t need a big squad. We can control the squad in a better way,” Amorim stated.
Still, the club must sell before they can buy, and with several players proving difficult to move, that strategy is stalling. United have been linked with Feyenoord’s Lamine Camara and Lille’s Carlos Baleba as possible midfield reinforcements following Christian Eriksen’s departure.
Cunha Embraces Iconic No. 10 Shirt
In a related update, Matheus Cunha, United’s new No. 10, expressed excitement about wearing the jersey previously donned by club legends like Wayne Rooney. The Brazilian forward called it a dream and said he’s eager to help the club bounce back next season.
With time ticking, Manchester United face a race against the market—and their own missteps—in a summer where sales may shape their season more than signings.
