That could go up to two, depending upon who they manage to sell, but it’s fair to assume that the Man United squad won’t look the same at the end of the window as it does now.
Coming to sales, United have made many players available for a transfer contingent on receiving the right price but it’s at a deadlock right now.
It’s why the club hasn’t been able to move decisively for Manuel Ugarte, although creative solutions are being explored to get that done now.
That might not be needed as progress is made on one exit as a sporting director has traveled to England to meet with a United player.
Giovanni Manna on a mission
The alarm bells are ringing loudly in Italy after the opening weekend saw Antonio Conte’s Napoli lose 0-3 to Hellas Verona.
Any indecision they might have had over signing players in the market is likely to have withered away after that shock loss.
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It spells good news for United, as Scott McTominay has been a transfer target for the Serie A side for a while this window.
In fact, they might be the only team seriously in for him now that Fulham have moved for Sander Berge, a United contingency plan.
The Athletic report that Napoli’s sporting director Giovanni Manna traveled to England to have face-to-face talks with McTominay as ‘progress is made’ on exit.
Personal terms with the player are still not agreed but talks have ‘stepped up’ as United try and attain clarity over their squad make-up.
With Fulham out of the race, United might have lost some leverage in negotiations but if Conte insists on him after the league loss, they might get some leverage back.
Striking a balance on Scott McTominay transfer
United clearly need to sell to buy and not many other sales will benefit them quite as much as that of Scott McTominay.
It was recently explained how a McTominay transfer opens up £125 million in spending power for United due to his status as an academy product.
At the same time, United need to strike a balance as they cannot be seen letting their player go on the cheap, especially coming off of his best season in terms of goals.
Unlike other players for sale, like Jadon Sancho or Hannibal, McTominay has a clear role in the team and Erik ten Hag values his skill set too.
Therefore, there is no need to panic sell in his case and United can afford to stand firm on the ground as it does two things.
First, it sends a message that the days of United cutting their losses on prized assets are over. Second, business will be done on their terms but if it doesn’t happen, they have backup plans for the player instead of him being a wasted asset.
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