Manchester United is looking to make significant changes to their squad under new co-owner Ineos. After spending approximately £1 billion on assembling their current team, they have had a disappointing season with manager Erik ten Hag. With the team set to miss out on Champions League football next year, United needs to generate funds through player sales. However, BBC Sport’s Simon Stone claims that the club has been poor at maximizing player sales in the past.
United’s most recent accounts show a total wage bill of £331 million, with an average weekly wage for players of £154,000. This places them fourth behind Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool in terms of wages. The value of their squad depends on how the numbers are calculated.
According to calculations by CIES Football Observatory and Transfermarkt, Marcus Rashford is considered United’s most valuable asset. However, his market value has been steadily decreasing due to poor performances. Transfermarkt values him at £51 million, while CIES had previously rated him at £73 million.
Another player who has seen a significant decrease in market value is Antony. United overpaid for him when they signed him for £81.3 million, and his consistently poor performances have seen his value drop to £24 million according to Transfermarkt.
Jadon Sancho was once considered one of the most valuable players in the world, but his move to United has resulted in a drop in market value from £77 million to £21 million due to lack of game time and good performances. However, a return to form with his former club Borussia Dortmund could increase his market value again.
Bruno Fernandes remains one of United’s consistent stars and their most valuable player at £60 million. However, as he approaches his 30th birthday and his attacking stats begin to slow down, his market value has started to decrease from a high of £77 million.
Andre Onana, despite having a difficult start at United, is still valued at £34 million, making him the second most valuable goalkeeper in the world.
Harry Maguire, who was signed for a record £80 million, has struggled for consistency since joining United and is now valued at £17 million. This exemplifies United’s tendency to overpay for players.
Scott McTominay has seen his market value rise to £27 million this season but is unlikely to fetch a higher price than £30 million as United has never sold a central midfielder for more than that amount.
Diogo Dalot, signed for £19 million, has seen his market value rise to £30 million since joining United in 2018. He is currently the eighth-most valuable player at Old Trafford and the eighth-most valuable right-back in the world according to Transfermarkt.
Overall, United’s squad value is subject to fluctuation depending on performance, age, contract status, and individual evaluations. The club will need to make strategic decisions regarding player sales in order to refresh the team and generate funds for future investments.