As of Summer 2023, Manchester United (MU) is still in the buying mode without selling. The fact is, the Red Devils want to sell, but they can't. This problem has persisted at MU for a decade now, and there seems to be no end in sight.
Just a week ago, Manchester City sold 19-year-old midfielder Shea Charles to Southampton for £15 million. Yes, you heard it right, there's no mistake here, the exact figure is £15 million, including additional fees. Many might wonder who Charles is and how Manchester City managed to fetch such a high price for a player who appeared on the pitch for only 27 minutes in the last game of the previous season against Brentford. It was a match where Pep Guardiola rested key players to prepare for the FA Cup and Champions League finals. Charles left such a faint impression that he was only known when Manchester City sold him to Southampton.
Manchester City excels both on the pitch and in economic matters. They know how to profit from players who rarely feature in the first team. Prior to Charles, the reigning European champions also sold 20-year-old goalkeeper James Trafford to Burnley for £19 million. Looking across the city, Manchester United was able to secure the successful signing of Mason Mount from Chelsea for £55 million. On the other hand, Manchester United played a role in helping Chelsea clear their squad after they went on a spending spree under new owner Todd Boehly. Putting aside the debate about Mount's importance, what Chelsea needed was a significant sum of money, and they succeeded.
In contrast, Manchester United spends but doesn't generate enough income. By Summer 2023, the Red Devils have only managed to sell midfielder Zidane Iqbal for... £800,000. This figure is almost negligible in the context of the club's desperate need for funds to strengthen their squad. Manchester United has already concluded the signing of Andre Onana and is in pursuit of another striker. But where do they get the money when there's such a significant imbalance between income and expenses?
In reality, Manchester United has struggled to sell players for a very long time, not just recently. Over the past decade, aside from a few youth players, Manchester United has only managed to profit from the sales of five players: Dan James, Javier Hernandez, Daley Blind, Chris Smalling, and Alexander Buttner. Many players that Manchester United wants to sell or is willing to sell simply can't find any takers. Paul Pogba, Edinson Cavani, Nemanja Matic, Juan Mata, and Jesse Lingard all left Old Trafford on a free transfer last summer, meaning Manchester United received no money from their departures. At the beginning of Summer 2023, Manchester United aimed to sell 12 players, but it's easier said than done.
The habit of offering high wages to players is hurting Manchester United. For instance, Brandon Williams, a mid-level defender, is said to be receiving wages that few players in similar positions can expect. Moreover, the wages of these players increase when Manchester United participates in the Champions League. This is why Manchester United wants to sell Harry Maguire but can't. Simply put, the center-back refuses to accept a pay cut to move to another club, and no club is willing to pay an astronomical salary to a defender like Maguire.
Many Manchester United players are listed for sale in Summer 2023, but potential buyers seem rather indifferent. For example, David De Gea, one of the world's top goalkeepers, also left Old Trafford on a free transfer. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe followed suit. Manchester United is selling left-back Alex Telles to Al-Nassr, but a minor deal like this hardly makes an impact as the Red Devils will only receive £4 million plus add-ons. It's too little compared to what they've invested, leaving the team with a serious imbalance in their finances.
This story is still unfolding, and there's no end in sight. Who knows how much longer Manchester United will keep making foolish decisions?
