Manchester United have been known for big sales over the years, often making big-money on players, which has led to their own heavy spending in the transfer market.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains their record sale to this day, after the Portuguese sensation departing in a £80m deal to join Real Madrid way back in the summer of 2009.
Romelu Lukaku and Ángel Di María both also departed Old Trafford for fees over £50m, with the club not afraid to offload stars, even if it resulted in a loss on the money paid for their signatures.
This summer could see multiple other stars depart the Theatre of Dreams, as Ruben Amorim looks to offload options to allow for funds to make the desired impact in 2025/26.
Numerous stars have already been touted with a switch during the off-season, with one player set to follow in the footsteps of another former star in the coming months.
The latest on players who could leave United this summer
Rasmus Hojlund has failed to deliver at United this season, only scoring four league goals – even going 21 games without a goal at one stage, highlighting his lack of impact.
He’s already been of interest from Italian sides Napoli and Inter Milan, with the Red Devils looking to recruit as much of the £72m fee forked out for his signature two years ago.
However, he could be joined out the door by winger Antony, who looks almost certain to leave the club this summer, according to one Spanish outlet’s latest report.
They claim that Jason Wilcox has already entered talks with Spanish side Real Betis over a deal for the Brazilian, who registered nine goals and five assists on loan with the same outfit last season.
It also states that Amorim’s side are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 25-year-old this summer, but the Spanish side are only prepared to offer around £30m.
Why United’s £50m star could be their next Elanga
Attacker Anthony Elanga joined United at the age of 12, rising through the youth ranks at Old Trafford, before making an impact in the first-team back in 2021.
The Swede managed to score against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, a moment that was undoubtedly the highlight of his time as a Red Devil.
However, he would leave in a £15m deal to join Nottingham Forest back in the summer of 2023, a deal that has since proved to be a huge mistake, with the forward taking his career to the next level since.
The 23-year-old has registered 32 combined goals and assists across all competitions in the last two seasons, including a tremendous solo effort against Amorim’s side back in April.
As a result, he’s been the subject of a £50m bid from Newcastle United, showcasing the rise he’s enjoyed since leaving United – with the club undoubtedly selling him for a bargain.
They must regret such a deal, something which could happen once again this summer, with Antony set to follow in his footsteps by succeeding away from the club next campaign.
The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by content creator Angry Ginge, has already demonstrated his quality away from United this campaign – showcasing he still has the tools to be a success at the club.
|
Antony’s stats on loan at Real Betis (2024/25) |
|
|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Tally |
|
Games played |
17 |
|
Goals & assists |
7 |
|
Pass accuracy |
84% |
|
Shots taken |
2.8 |
|
Shots on target |
1.2 |
|
Chances created |
2.4 |
|
Successful dribbles |
1.6 |
|
Stats via FotMob |
|
His underlying figures from his time in Spain showcase his talents, creating 2.4 chances per 90 and completing 1.6 dribbles per 90, highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.
Antony has also managed 2.8 shots per 90 along with 1.2 shots on target per 90, having the end product that United have often lacked – as seen by Hojlund’s unthinkable goal drought.
Whilst his time at Old Trafford has undoubtedly been a disappointing one given his £86m transfer fee, he still has the potential to shine at the club, as seen by his recent run away from the Theatre of Dreams.
It’s highly unlikely that his £50m asking price will be met this summer, which could prove to be a blessing in disguise, with the club potentially regretting his departure, and having the chance to replicate Elanga in the process.
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