Financial Fair Play: Why is United Selling?
By Oliver Lewis July 15, 2023 132
MANCHESTER, ENG - Manchester United has made some surprising decisions in the transfer market this summer, with a flurry of player sales and a large planned spending spree beginning to unfold. After a new ownership group took over the club in February, United is undergoing a significant squad overhaul in an attempt to compete at the highest level. The sale of several young players has raised eyebrows, with many fans questioning the club's decision to let go of promising talents. However, there is a method to United's madness, and the club's summer transfer activity is geared towards restoring the team's former glory.
The sale of young talents like Jimmy Garner, Julián Álvarez, and Donny van de Beek has generated significant funds for United, enabling the club to invest in new players. The Red Devils have already spent £135 million on Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and there are reports that they could spend up to £400 million if they stay within their wage budget. While this may seem like a lot of money, United's recent transfer activity has been relatively modest, with the club enjoying a surplus of £45 million in the 2022-23 season. Therefore, the sale of young players has allowed United to increase their total potential spend, balance their books and comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
However, there is more to United's transfer strategy than just balancing the books. The club has been rebuilding its squad, with an emphasis on youth and long-term development. The sales of Garner, van de Beek, and Álvarez were not just about raising funds, but also about freeing up space in the squad for new signings. The emergence of talented young midfielders like Hannibal Mejbri, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Kobbie Mainoo made it clear that there was no room for Garner and van de Beek, despite their potential. Similarly, the arrival of Osimhen and the signing of another striker in the works meant that Álvarez was no longer necessary.
The decision to sell young players may seem harsh, but it is a necessary evil in modern football. The financial pressure on clubs to balance their books and comply with FFP regulations has forced many teams to adopt a more pragmatic approach to squad building. For United, the sale of young players has been a calculated move, allowing the club to invest in new talent while complying with FFP regulations.
The departure of Garner, in particular, has been met with mixed reactions from United fans. The young midfielder showed great promise during his loan spell at Nottingham Forest and impressed in his limited appearances for the Red Devils last season. He was also a product of United’s youth system, having joined the club as a boy. However, with the emergence of Mejbri, Chukwuemeka, Mainoo, and Iqbal, Garner was surplus to requirements at Old Trafford. The sale of Garner to Everton for £15 million represents a good deal for both clubs, with United making a tidy profit and Garner getting the chance to play regular first-team football.
United manager Thomas Walker has spoken about the club's summer transfer activity, saying, "We are building a team for the future, and that requires some tough decisions. We believe in the potential of our young players, but we also need to bring in established stars who can help us compete at the highest level. The sale of some of our young players has enabled us to invest in new talent while complying with FFP regulations."
The club's transfer strategy has divided opinion among United fans, with some expressing concern over the sale of young talents. However, others believe that the club is making the right decisions, investing in proven stars while also nurturing its own talent. The arrival of Osimhen has been met with enthusiasm, with many fans hoping that the Nigerian striker can help fire United to success in the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, United still has plenty of work to do in the transfer market. The club has been linked with several high-profile players, including AC Milan’s Rafael Leão and Mike Maignan, as well as Palmeiras teenager Endrick, and were heavily linked to both Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice earlier in the summer.
United's summer transfer activity has been bold and ambitious, reflecting the club's desire to return to the top of English and European football and defeat their rivals Liverpool. While the sale of young players may be a bitter pill for some fans to swallow, it is a necessary step in United's journey towards success. The arrival of Osimhen, the emergence of talented young midfielders, and the prospect of further high-profile signings have injected a sense of excitement into the club and its supporters.
The challenge for United now is to turn potential into reality. The club has the talent and the resources to compete with the best, but it will take time and patience to build a team capable of challenging for major honours. With the new Premier League season just weeks away, United fans will be eagerly anticipating the start of the campaign, hoping that the club's summer transfer activity can translate into success on the pitch.
(Photos by Holly Richardson / Associated Press)
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Oliver Lewis is a staff writer at The Athletic covering Manchester United. Previously, he wrote for ESPN. Follow Oliver on Twitter @OliverLewisAthletic.