Man Utd to be 'offered chance to sell transfer clauses' as financial struggles laid bare

Several clubs are said to be planning to try and take advantage of Manchester United's financial issues by buying out sell-on clauses, it has emerged.

The Red Devils have made losses since 2019 and announced plans for a further 200 redundancies this week as Ineos and the club's part-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, strive to make the club profitable again.

Ratcliffe's plans, which come just months after an earlier round of redundancies which saw 250 people leave United, have been heavily criticised.

The club's poor financial state means they are at risk of breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, which led to the sale of home-grown talents such as Alejandro Garnacho being considered in the January transfer window.

It has now emerged that some of United's rivals feel they could stand to profit from their woes, with The Telegraph revealing that 'several' unnamed clubs are preparing to offer cash now in order to buy out sell-on clauses which were included in previous transfer deals.

While such offers would boost United's coffers, they could stand to lose out long-term. A number of players have gone on to increase their value after leaving Old Trafford in recent years, meaning United would potentially sacrifice a slice of a larger transfer fee if they were to cash in on the players in question early.

The report outlines that clubs who are considering such a move would be seeking to buy-out the sell-on clauses immediately, rather than waiting until the PSR deadline in June, though no specific clubs or players are outlined.

While the report does not say whether or not Manchester United would entertain such proposals, such a plot from rival clubs is a damning indictment of the club's current plight.

As well as outlining plans for further redundancies, United chief executive, Omar Berrada, confirmed the club would be getting rid of free staff meals and closing the canteen - a move which it is estimated will save the club around £1million.

Scrutiny has grown on the club's poor record in the transfer market in the wake of the latest cost-cutting measures. It was also confirmed during the club's latest quarterly financial results for 2024 that they shelled out a combined £14.5m to pay up former manager Erik ten Hag, his coaching staff and Dan Ashworth, who was the club's sporting director for a brief period.

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