Report: Man United ready to pay millions to clear out stars this summer | OneFootball

Manchester United facing costly exits for unwanted stars

Manchester United are preparing for a significant summer overhaul, with several high-profile players expected to leave – and the club – according to the Telegraph, potentially paying millions to make that happen. Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Antony are all facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford, as new head coach Ruben Amorim reshapes the squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

Despite having contracts that run until 2028, the trio – alongside Jadon Sancho – are now viewed as expendable assets, with United understood to be open to subsidising wages in order to facilitate moves elsewhere.

Garnacho signals intent amid Rashford uncertainty

Alejandro Garnacho fuelled speculation about his future after being pictured wearing a Marcus Rashford shirt earlier this week. The image surfaced just weeks after Amorim reportedly told the Argentine winger he was free to find a new club this summer. It served as a symbolic gesture amid a tense atmosphere behind the scenes.

Rashford himself endured a turbulent season under Amorim, frozen out of the squad before securing a loan move to Aston Villa. He later earned an England recall thanks to his improved form, but dropped a bombshell last week when he told a Spanish broadcaster of his ambition to join Barcelona. While Tottenham Hotspur are known to be monitoring winger options, Rashford’s preference is clearly La Liga.

Photo: IMAGO

Sancho talks collapse, Antony’s Betis clause revealed

Jadon Sancho is another player who will be allowed to leave after two loan spells away from the club. Talks between Manchester United and Chelsea over a permanent switch last season reportedly collapsed due to a disagreement over the share of wages United would continue to cover. Sancho, signed for £73 million from Borussia Dortmund on a wage of more than £200,000 per week, still has one year remaining on his contract – although the club can trigger a 12-month extension to prevent a free transfer next summer.

Meanwhile, Antony has already completed a loan move to Real Betis for the 2024/25 season. Spanish sources indicate United are in discussions over retaining a portion of the Brazilian’s registration rights – a form of sell-on clause that could offer financial return if the £82 million signing is sold later.

Interestingly, Betis covered 84% of Antony’s wages, while Villa paid 75% of Rashford’s salary during his loan spell – a figure that could have risen to 90% based on performance targets.

Outgoings could impact pre-season tour

As United seek “salary recovery” via structured loans and sell-on arrangements, the bargaining position is seen to have weakened due to their urgency to trim the wage bill. Intermediaries believe this has allowed buying clubs to capitalise.

It’s unclear whether the players in question will travel with the squad for the upcoming pre-season tour of the United States. In 2019, Romelu Lukaku participated in Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s pre-season plans despite being on the verge of leaving – and United may face a similar scenario this year.

Rasmus Højlund is another player whose future remains under scrutiny. Inter Milan have shown interest in the Denmark striker, who, like Antony, is contracted until 2028 with an option for an additional year. Although no formal move has materialised, United’s resolve may be tested in the coming weeks.

As Garnacho, Rashford, Antony and Sancho dominate the headlines, Manchester United find themselves navigating a complex summer – one where financial strategy could be just as pivotal as footballing decisions.