Manchester United is entering the 2025 summer transfer window with a massive challenge on their hands. High-profile names such as Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho are all rumored to be on their way out of Old Trafford, while Alejandro Garnacho has also unexpectedly joined the list of potential exits.
However, offloading these players is not as simple as it sounds. Despite returning to the club following loan spells, none of them appear to be part of manager Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans. As a result, the Red Devils are preparing to absorb significant financial losses to smoothen their departures.
Wage Burden Complicates Departures
One of the biggest stumbling blocks in selling these stars lies in their lucrative contracts. All three—Rashford, Antony, and Garnacho—are tied to the club until 2028, making them difficult to move unless United is willing to subsidize their wages.
According to reports from within the club, United may have to pay part of the players’ salaries to facilitate their moves—even if it means sending them to domestic or European rivals. The club’s wage bill has long been a topic of controversy, and this transfer window is set to highlight the consequences of those past decisions.
Marcus Rashford and Antony Attracting Interest—but with Caveats
Marcus Rashford, once considered the golden boy of Old Trafford, experienced a dramatic dip in form prior to his loan move to Aston Villa last season. While he showed flashes of his old self in claret and blue, Rashford is now reportedly pushing for a move to Barcelona.
Unfortunately for Rashford, the Catalan giants currently have Nico Williams as their top attacking priority, which could leave the Englishman exploring other options if a deal doesn’t materialize.
Meanwhile, Brazilian winger Antony had a rejuvenating loan spell at Real Betis, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the Europa Conference League final. Betis are keen on retaining the 24-year-old permanently after covering 84% of his salary during the loan. However, a permanent deal is likely to require further wage negotiations and possibly another financial concession from United.
Sancho’s Time Is Up at Old Trafford
Jadon Sancho, who has spent the last two seasons away from United on loan, is also on the chopping block. Once considered a marquee signing, Sancho has struggled to meet expectations and is now set to be offloaded permanently.
Manchester United is aiming to include a “salary clawback” clause in any potential deal, hoping to recoup some of the wages paid during his underwhelming stint. However, Sancho’s market value has plummeted, and United’s negotiating power is significantly weakened.
Garnacho Sparks Controversy, Future in Doubt
Perhaps the most surprising name to appear on United’s potential exit list is Alejandro Garnacho. The young Argentine winger, hailed as one of the brightest prospects at the club, recently found himself in hot water during the off-season. He posted a photo on social media wearing an Aston Villa jersey with Marcus Rashford’s name, a move that reportedly angered club executives.
His actions, combined with the fact that he was left out of the Europa League final, have cast doubt over his future. Garnacho has now been given the green light to seek a new club, with Chelsea and Napoli both showing prior interest in the 20-year-old.
United Paying the Price for Decade-Long Contract Mismanagement
This latest saga is a symptom of a deeper, long-standing issue at Manchester United—a flawed wage structure that has rewarded underperforming players with massive salaries. The club is now forced to pay heavily not just to sign top players, but also to get rid of those they no longer need.
As United prepares to back Ruben Amorim in rebuilding the squad, the board must confront the harsh reality: cutting ties with expensive flops will be costly but necessary to start fresh. Only by correcting past mistakes can the club hope to rebuild a competitive and financially sustainable team.
ALSO READ :
