This summer, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will approve several sales at Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already finalised the sale of one player this summer. (Image: Getty)
Alvaro Fernandez Carreras’ sale to Benfica is reportedly the first step in Manchester United’s purging of a sizable portion of their first team roster. The bulk of the club’s senior players are expected to be open to offers this summer; Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, and Rasmus Hojlund are the only players reportedly “off limits” in the transfer market.
When their contracts expire in June, players like Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial will be free to leave on transfer, while Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood are anticipated to depart on permanent agreements after spending time on loan abroad. Casemiro and Aaron Wan-Bisska, for example, have been linked to moves to Saudi Arabia, while Marcus Rashford’s future is still unclear.
Additionally, a deal for Carreras’ departure has reportedly already been reached, according to Portuguese publication Record. In September 2020, the 21-year-old from Real Madrid entered the club’s academy and the following season, he was incorporated into the first team.
However, despite making an impression for the team at both the Under-21 and Under-23 levels, he was loaned to Preston and Granada and never made a senior appearance. He then moved to Benfica in January of this year, where he signed a short-term contract with the option to extend it for a permanent move at the end of the season for a £5.1 million fee.
Alvaro Carreras will join Benfica on a permanent deal. (Image: Getty)
Bosses have decided to pay United the required amount for the left-back even though he hasn’t been a regular starter for the team. In the meantime, Luke Shaw’s injury issues have forced Erik ten Hag to use a number of backup options in that role this season.
The announcement came after Carreras, who on Sunday helped his team rally to defeat Braga 3-1, played a crucial part. The former Spain Under-21 international joined the match at the 52-minute mark, with his team trailing 1-0. He made an impact in both attack and defense as the home team rallied.
United’s expected inability to make the Champions League this season has added to the need for them to make sales this summer. Though they are currently in sixth place, the Red Devils are still vulnerable to being caught by West Ham and Newcastle, so even a Europa League spot is not assured.
Although United will play Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, the result is unlikely to have an impact on Ratcliffe’s revolution. The head of INEOS has already expressed his desire to contend with teams like City at the top of the Premier League, and his summer makeover is thought to be the first significant phase of his long-term plan.
It’s also unclear if Ten Hag will be available to help with the transfer process. Remarkably, Ratcliffe has refrained from openly endorsing the Dutchman, leaving him to contend with incessant queries from the press regarding his future.
