Manchester United have faced ongoing challenges in securing high transfer fees for players who have fallen out of favor in recent years, according to a review of the club’s recent sales activity. While savvy player trading is a critical component of football business, the club’s success in this area appears limited when compared with some Premier League rivals.
This summer, Manchester United struggled to obtain offers exceeding £25 million for striker Marcus Rashford, and goalkeeper Andre Onana spent a second consecutive season on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor. Meanwhile, winger Jadon Sancho left the club without generating a transfer fee. Last summer, Real Betis was able to acquire Antony for a relatively modest price of £21.65 million.
The issue is not new; Manchester United has only sold nine players for more than £25 million throughout its history. In comparison, Chelsea achieved eight such sales in just the past two summers alone. Manchester City has also demonstrated success in this area, with players like Yan Couto, Oscar Bobb, and James McAtee each transferring for at least £25 million during the summer of 2025, despite collectively having fewer than 50 Premier League appearances between them.
Several notable Manchester United sales provide insight into the club’s financial returns and the subsequent careers of the players involved. David Beckham’s move to Real Madrid in 2003 for around £25 million was one of the earliest transfers at this level. Beckham became a global star but never duplicated his Old Trafford trophy haul, winning only two league titles in Europe—one with Madrid and another on loan at Paris Saint-Germain—before concluding his career in MLS.
Scott McTominay transferred to Napoli for approximately £25.7 million and played a significant role in the club's Serie A title win two seasons ago. The 29-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a more attacking role under Napoli manager Antonio Conte, scoring more league goals in Italy than during his entire tenure at Manchester United. His performances earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2024/25 and an influential role for Scotland at the recent World Cup.
Mason Greenwood left Manchester United under complicated circumstances to join Marseille in 2024 for £26.6 million. The contract included clauses that secured further financial returns for United as Greenwood, now 24, moved on to Turkish club Fenerbahce after Marseille missed out on Champions League qualification. Greenwood scored 48 goals in 81 appearances for Marseille.
The most lucrative recent sale has been that of winger Alejandro Garnacho, who transferred to Chelsea in the summer of 2025 for £40 million. The 22-year-old had burst onto the scene as a teenager before fading from prominence prior to the move.
Manchester United’s transfer record in recent years highlights a broader challenge in monetizing their player assets effectively, especially compared with other top clubs. Whether the club can improve its sales strategy in the current transfer market remains to be seen.