Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Amorim and Elliot Anderson (Photo by Mike Hewitt, Michael Regan, Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Manchester United are reportedly ready to sell Bruno Fernandes to help fund a major outlay for three new midfielders.
The Red Devils are reportedly keen to sign all three of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton, which could cost them up to £250m.
That’s according to a report from TEAMtalk, who also states that Man Utd could allow two other big names, Marcus Rashford and Casemiro, to leave Old Trafford to help balance the books.
Manchester United plan major transfer overhaul – who’s in and who’s out?
Here’s a look at what TEAMtalk is reporting, as we could see some huge changes to Ruben Amorim’s United squad in the coming months.
If MUFC gets their way, it could be a simple three in, three out situation involving these big names…
RELEASED – Bruno Fernandes
United’s star player in recent years, it appears they would be willing to take a huge gamble by allowing the Portugal international to leave.
In fairness, Fernandes isn’t getting any younger and there may not be many opportunities left for the club to cash in on him as they will likely have suitors from the Saudi Pro League who could pay big money to then enter United’s transfer kitty.
Fernandes’ current contract expires in 2027, so if they don’t plan to extend it, then the summer of 2026 could be a good time to let him go, although some fans surely won’t be too happy about it.
OUT – Marcus Rashford
Currently on loan at Barcelona, it’s hard to imagine Rashford having a future at United after his loss of form in recent years.
The England international now appears to be back to his best and enjoying his football in a Barca shirt again. Making this decision permanent therefore seems the most logical outcome for all parties involved.
According to a recent report from Fichajes, Barcelona have the option to sign Rashford permanently for €35 million, while United could set an asking price of €40 million if he does not stay at the Camp Nou, so there is also decent money to be made from his exit.
OUT – Casemiro
Finally, we could also see Casemiro leave Old Trafford as he will be out of contract at the end of this season.
United have the option to extend that for another year, but the aging Brazilian is earning huge wages, so it might be wise to just let him leave for free, even though he has shown signs of improvement under Amorim.
IN – Elliot Anderson
Part of United’s midfield overhaul could see them target Nottingham Forest and England star Anderson, who is having a superb season.
TEAMtalk claim he could cost as much as £80 million, although our reports indicate United are confident of signing Anderson for less, and perhaps for a fee in the region of just £60-70 million.
In – Carlos Baleba
Another player still on MUFC’s radar after expressing interest over the summer is Brighton’s Baleba, according to TEAMtalk.
Fabrizio Romano also recently reported that Baleba at Man United still appears to be one to watch after failing to bring him in over the summer, although TEAMtalk claims the Seagulls want £100m for him.
IN – Adam Wharton
The third midfielder on the Red Devils’ list is Crystal Palace man Wharton, according to the report, with Amorim apparently keen to bring in those three main targets in the middle of the park.
This portends a total rebuild that will surely also cast doubt on the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte.
Would Man United be stronger after Anderson, Baleba and Wharton deals?
It’s difficult to know for sure whether United will definitely achieve all three of these targets, as it seems extremely ambitious, and even if they do, you can never predict with certainty how new signings will perform compared to expectations.
There is no doubt that Anderson, Baleba and Wharton look like exceptional young talents, who have already shown they can shine in the Premier League.
However, we have seen some big name signings fail at Old Trafford in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era and there is more to building a team than just putting together the best players in a team and hoping for the best.
It’s unclear how these three names could fit into the same formation, as Amorim tends to play a formation similar to a 3-4-3, meaning just two main central midfielders.
Surely they won’t spend so much money on three top players like this and then leave one of them on the bench, and it’s also questionable whether they need three players so similar anyway, while still getting rid of someone like Fernandes who brings something different and has proven to be such an important part of the team.
What do you think of this story? Would you support this big wave of transfers with United? Give us your opinion in the comments!
