The Athletic FC Podcast Summary: "How do Man United shift unwanted players?"

Episode Details:

• Title: How do Man United shift unwanted players?
• Host: Ayo Akimolere
• Guests: Mark Critchley (Manchester football writer), Phil Hay (Lead writer of the Athletic FC newsletter)
• Release Date: July 9, 2025

Introduction

In this insightful episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akimolere delves into Manchester United's ongoing struggle to offload unwanted players amidst managerial changes and financial constraints. Joining Ayo are Mark Critchley and Phil Hay, who provide expert analysis on the complexities facing the Red Devils.

Context: Manchester United's Strategy on Unwanted Players

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the recent decisions by Manchester United manager Rubén Amorim to exclude five players—Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Anthony, and Tyrell Malacia—from preseason activities. These players were either on loan or sidelined, signaling a clear intent by the club to reshape the squad.

Mark Critchley (03:28):
"The key message to take away from the events of the past week is that these five players do not have a future at Manchester United under Rubén Amorim. And that is absolutely clear now."

Detailed Analysis of Specific Players

Marcus Rashford

Rashford's exclusion and declining market value have been focal points of concern. His journey from a promising academy graduate to being on the fringes of the squad underscores the challenges he faces under Amorim's leadership.

Phil Hay (12:16):
"At their peak value, Rashford, Anthony, and Sancho were worth £250 million combined according to Transfermarkt. That is now a combined value of £97 million."

Ayo expresses personal disappointment over Rashford's predicament, highlighting his potential and contributions to both Manchester United and the England national team.

Phil Hay (24:47):
"Three problems with Rashford really. One is that he earns huge wages which clubs either can't afford or just don't want to bother themselves with... his recent form isn't brilliant... his relationship with Amorim is clearly not in a good place."

Jadon Sancho and Anthony

Sancho and Anthony face similar challenges with reduced valuations and high wages, making potential transfers difficult. Their performances have not justified their hefty salaries, further complicating Manchester United's efforts to move them.

Mark Critchley (16:09):
"Sancho has met the same situation but amplified. His high wages have been an obstacle to his departure in previous summers, whether on loan with Borussia Dortmund or Chelsea."

Alejandro Garnacho

Among the five, Garnacho remains the most viable candidate for transfer due to his younger age and relatively lower wages. However, his marketability remains uncertain.

Mark Critchley (30:00):
"Garnacho is definitely the one that United could get the most market for. There's interest from Chelsea, and he’d be more attractive with modest wages compared to his peers."

Phil Hay (32:13):
"There are times where I can't tell if he's a bit of a luxury player. Top-tier clubs might prefer to allocate their funds elsewhere."

Tyrell Malacia and Others

Malacia and others are even less likely to secure moves given their limited impact and market interest, leaving Manchester United with little leverage in negotiations.

Impact on Transfer Market and Club Finances

Manchester United's inability to sell these high-wage players has strained their financial flexibility. The club's history of poor transfer decisions is exacerbating the issue, making it difficult to attract buyers without incurring significant losses.

Phil Hay (10:36):
"United have been bad at selling players compared to clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, who have made substantial profits through their academy systems."

Mark Critchley (12:33):
"Manchester United's position in the bargaining process is absolutely damaged by this move. The clear line in the sand has weakened their stance in negotiations."

Future Prospects and Potential New Signings

With the transfer window ongoing, Manchester United is exploring new signings to bolster their squad, particularly in the striker position. Potential targets include Moise Kean from Fiorentina and experienced strikers like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy.

Mark Critchley (36:44):
"Moise Kean has shown significant improvement with Fiorentina, scoring 19 goals in Serie A last season. However, Manchester United's focus remains on balancing their financial constraints while seeking effective additions."

Phil Hay (39:24):
"Clubs are more inclined towards players who can contribute immediately in the Champions League, which Manchester United currently lacks."

Insights from Former Players

A notable moment in the episode includes Phil Hay sharing insights from Juan Mata, who remains optimistic about Rashford's future, expressing hope that Rashford can still find success at Manchester United.

Phil Hay (25:10):
"Juan Mata mentioned that if Rashford stays and can enjoy his time, it would be a win-win for both the club and him."

Conclusion: Challenges and Outlook

The episode concludes with an acknowledgment of the significant challenges Manchester United faces in restructuring their squad without compromising financial stability. The club's inability to offload unwanted players hampers their ability to invest in new talent, potentially affecting future performance.

Mark Critchley (44:36):
"The sense throughout has always been that we need to show more discipline when negotiating fees and transfer business."

Phil Hay (41:42):
"Money's a massive issue at Old Trafford, and this transfer window is crucial for their reputation. Getting it wrong could lead to significant repercussions."

Notable Quotes

• Mark Critchley (03:28):
  "These five players do not have a future at Manchester United under Rubén Amorim."

• Phil Hay (12:16):
  "At their peak value, Rashford, Anthony, and Sancho were worth £250 million combined...now a combined value of £97 million."

• Mark Critchley (16:09):
  "Sancho has met the same situation but amplified. His high wages have been an obstacle to his departure."

• Phil Hay (24:47):
  "Three problems with Rashford: huge wages, recent form, and poor relationship with Amorim."

• Mark Critchley (30:00):
  "Garnacho is definitely the one that United could get the most market for."

• Phil Hay (32:13):
  "There are times where I can't tell if Garnacho is a bit of a luxury player."

• Mark Critchley (44:36):
  "We need to show more discipline when negotiating fees and transfer business."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast offers a comprehensive look into Manchester United's current transfer struggles, highlighting the intricate balance between managing existing player contracts and seeking new talent to rejuvenate the squad. With financial constraints and managerial decisions at the forefront, the Red Devils face a pivotal period that could define their trajectory in the coming seasons.