Manchester United Faces Financial Constraints as Ruben Amorim Confirms Player Sales Needed

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that the club must sell players before making new signings this summer, highlighting ongoing financial struggles that continue to affect various aspects of the organization.

“You know the rules of financial fair play, we have a problem and right now my focus is on other things – like playing Tottenham on Sunday.”

“But here it is simple. To do something we need to sell players. Right now the window is closed. My focus is on the next game.”

Despite languishing in the bottom half of the Premier League table, United's spending in the January transfer window was limited to just £25 million, used to acquire 20-year-old full-back Patrick Dorgu. Sources within the club have emphasized that with losses exceeding £300 million over the past three years, United’s financial position remains precarious under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

In an effort to mitigate financial difficulties, the club is implementing further cost-cutting measures beyond the first-team squad. A new wave of redundancies is expected, with the possible closure of United’s London office. Additionally, co-owners Ineos Group have sought to renegotiate their sponsorship deal with the New Zealand All Blacks and have parted ways with leading yachtsman Ben Ainslie.

Amorim confirmed that these financial constraints would impact summer recruitment plans. “It’s simple—if we want to bring in new players, we need to sell,” he stated. “Right now, our focus is on winning the upcoming games. After that, we’ll address the squad’s future.”

With Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof approaching the end of their contracts and Jadon Sancho expected to finalize a permanent move to Chelsea, questions remain over the futures of high earners such as Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, who recently joined Aston Villa on loan. Amorim’s comments have also fueled speculation that promising homegrown talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho could be sold to ensure compliance with financial regulations.

Compounding United’s struggles, several former players have found success elsewhere, highlighting issues with recruitment and player utilization. Scott McTominay, who was never a consistent starter at Old Trafford, has thrived since his £25.7 million transfer to Napoli, scoring six goals in 21 Serie A appearances. Similarly, Brazilian winger Antony has already netted twice in three games for Real Betis after securing a loan move, a stark contrast to his underwhelming record of four goals in 52 appearances for United.

“This is a club with immense pressure,” Amorim admitted. “To build a strong team, you need a solid foundation, which we currently lack. But that’s football—you must learn to deal with the demands.”

Looking ahead, United is aiming to ease financial difficulties by developing and selling young talents. Their U18 squad recently showcased its potential with a commanding 5-1 victory over Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals, led by a hat-trick from promising forward Chido Obi. Amorim confirmed that the 17-year-old former Arsenal academy graduate had been called up for first-team training due to injury concerns within the squad.

Sunday’s fixture against Tottenham Hotspur presents a crucial test for Amorim’s side. While Spurs have defeated United twice this season, they remain two points behind in the table, with manager Ange Postecoglou facing mounting pressure. Amorim, an admirer of the Australian coach, dismissed comparisons between their situations. “I respect Postecoglou, he’s a fantastic coach. But, with all due respect, I’m at a bigger club.”

Next week marks a year since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority owner at United, a period marked by significant and sometimes controversial changes. Amid widespread cost-cutting—including job losses and the termination of Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2 million annual ambassadorial salary—United remains under financial strain.

Reports indicate that United’s ownership is contemplating further measures, including potentially offloading homegrown stars like Mainoo and Garnacho, who are valued at approximately £65 million each. Additionally, Tyrell Malacia’s loan move to PSV Eindhoven is seen as another cost-saving measure.

Ratcliffe and his team, led by Sir Dave Brailsford, have set an ambitious goal dubbed “Mission 21,” aiming to win the Premier League by 2028, coinciding with United’s 150th anniversary. However, with financial instability and a struggling squad, the challenge appears daunting.

Amorim remains optimistic about the club’s long-term future. “Yes, we discuss Mission 21. Our goal is to win the Premier League. We can change a lot in a few years, but we need to work every day, take small steps, and then assess things in the summer.”

For now, though, the focus remains on stabilizing the club financially while trying to navigate an increasingly competitive Premier League landscape.

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay / Jakub Mularski, Unsplash / Nat Callaghan