Man United forced to liquidate squad to avoid punishment

MU faces many challenges in the 2025/26 season.

Manchester United are under the shadow of Financial Fair Play (FFP) as the 2025/26 season approaches. Despite signings such as Bryan Mbeumo, Diego Leon and Matheus Cunha, the Red Devils have been warned to offload at least two players to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Since taking over the Man United football project in February 2024, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has always called for prudent spending. However, he is facing fierce criticism for his wrong decisions. In particular, allowing Erik ten Hag to freely shop in the summer of 2024 and then firing him after just a few months, or the quick separation from Director of Sport Dan Ashworth, are considered financial "scars" that are difficult to heal.

Football finance expert Dr Dan Plumley (Sheffield Hallam University) emphasized: “When you buy a player at the beginning of the financial cycle, you automatically add that expense to the budget for the whole year. With the PSR three-year rule, Man United need to calculate carefully. If they want to continue to strengthen their squad, they are forced to sell a few names to balance the books.”

After a disappointing season and missing out on Champions League football, coach Ruben Amorim faces a difficult task: upgrading his squad without breaking the bank. New transfer targets are still on the negotiating table, but the exit door for many players has not been opened.

Marcus Rashford joins Barcelona on loan.

Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan, but four other stars - Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho - are still keen to leave Old Trafford. Amorim said he would not hesitate to give the chance to rejoin if no suitable offers come in, but this would be seen as a “plan B” in case the transfer market does not make a breakthrough.

The absence of the Champions League has not only reduced United’s appeal in the player market but also severely affected their income. That makes every transfer decision this summer more sensitive than ever. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his board are trying to balance the desire to return to the top with the harsh financial reality.

If they don’t quickly move on from the unplanned names, Man United risk being held back for the rest of the transfer window. At that time, the ambition to reform the squad under Ruben Amorim will be difficult to achieve, and the “Red Devils” may have to enter the new season with a squad lacking depth, while also facing the risk of being “checked” by the Premier League for violating financial regulations.