From left to right: Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Tyrrell Malacia, and Jadon Sancho.

While top Premier League teams have added three or four quality players during the summer of 2025, Manchester United has only welcomed one new player, striker Matheus Cunha. A bigger issue for the Red Devils is the future of a group of players no longer in manager Ruben Amorim’s plans: Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrrell Malacia.

On 4/7, these players were informed they should seek new clubs. They have been limited to training in the gym, rehabilitation, or medical care, after Amorim’s squad finishes their sessions. Essentially, this group is isolated from the first team to maintain a positive atmosphere in the locker room.

Rashford and Garnacho are products of Manchester United’s youth academy. However, Antony, Sancho, and Malacia cost the club a combined 223 million USD in transfer fees. Their contributions have not justified the expense, and each player faces specific challenges that cloud their future at Old Trafford.

Rashford, Garnacho, and Sancho have reportedly clashed with the coaching staff and the club. Antony has expressed unhappiness at Manchester United, while Malacia has struggled with persistent injuries.

Rashford warms up on the sidelines during Manchester United's match against Newcastle at Old Trafford, Manchester, UK, on 30/12/2024. Photo: *Reuters*

With no European football next season, Manchester United does not require a large squad. Before signing new players, they must resolve the futures of these 5. The club hopes to recoup at least 100 million USD for the group, but so far, no concrete offers have materialized.

Manchester United has taken Rashford’s number 10 shirt and given it to Cunha. Rashford has expressed interest in joining Barca, a possibility that increased after the Spanish club failed to sign Nico Williams. However, he is only a backup option for Barca if they cannot acquire Luis Diaz from Liverpool. His high salary of 468,000 USD per week is also a deterrent for potential suitors.

The club is also eager to move Sancho, who hinted at being "liberated" during his loan spell at Chelsea last season. He could have stayed at Chelsea if he accepted a salary reduction to 268,000 USD per week, but the 25-year-old refused. His current wage limits his appeal to other European clubs. Juventus has shown interest but considers Sancho a backup option to Francisco Conceicao.

Antony has not lived up to his 110 million USD price tag from Ajax three years ago. His salary, while lower than Sancho’s, is still substantial for clubs like Real Betis. Betis hopes to secure another loan deal with an option or obligation to buy.

Antony (right) warms up before the Real Betis vs. Vitoria Guimaraes Conference League Round of 16 first leg match at Benito Villamarin Stadium, Seville, Spain, on 6/3/2025. Photo: *Reuters*

Garnacho is on the market despite scoring 11 goals and providing 10 assists in 58 appearances for Manchester United last season. At 21, the Argentinian forward has significant potential. However, Amorim seems unwilling to retain a player perceived as disruptive. Manchester United has set an 80 million USD asking price. Chelsea, Napoli, and Atletico Madrid have expressed interest but haven't submitted bids.

Malacia is the most likely to depart, as Manchester United is not demanding a high fee. However, his limited playing time – just 21 matches in over two years – has raised concerns. Celtic is interested but has yet to make an offer.

If Manchester United cannot sell these 5, they have other options. They could let Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, or Rasmus Hojlund leave. However, these players are younger and possess greater potential for development.

The club also has players with injury concerns, including Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez, and Mason Mount. Goalkeeper Andre Onana could also be sold, while Altay Bayindir hasn't impressed when given opportunities.

One positive for Manchester United this transfer window is the income from former players. They receive a percentage of the profit when a former player joins a new team. For example, forward Anthony Elanga’s move from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle for 74 million USD earned Manchester United 8 million USD as per their agreement with Nottingham. Similarly, the Red Devils will receive 10 million USD from defender Alvaro Carreras's transfer from Benfica to Real Madrid.

Manager Amorim wants to sign striker Bryan Mbeumo before the US tour on 20/7. Manchester United only needs to increase their previous 80 million USD offer to Brentford by a few million. However, the deal is not yet finalized. The uncertain transfer situation continues to worry fans with the new season just a month away.

Hoang An (*BBC Sport*)