Erik ten Hag faces a significant challenge. The Dutch coach would like to sell several players at Manchester United in order to create financial room for the potential arrival of a goalkeeper and a striker. However, a clause in the contract of players like Harry Maguire only makes the sale more difficult.
Defender Maguire lost his grip on a starting position at Old Trafford under Ten Hag. The English defender, like Ten Hag, is indeed open to a summer departure from Manchester. However, the fact that United secured qualification for the Champions League last season actually makes a move less likely. Due to a clause in his contract, his salary has been increased thanks to the qualification for the prestigious tournament. "Maguire's increased salary means he will weigh any potential transfer against a potential loss of income, while also wanting to make the right decision to ensure his place in the English national team," writes The Guardian.
According to the newspaper, Ten Hag has been given a budget of around €140 million this summer to enter the transfer market. About half of that amount has already been spent on the arrival of Mason Mount, who comes from Chelsea and was officially presented last Wednesday. Ten Hag would hope to receive an amount between €35 million and €45 million for Maguire, who is still under contract at Old Trafford for two more seasons. A similar amount would also be sufficient to buy midfielder Fred (30) and forward Anthony Elanga (21) from Manchester. Scott McTominay (26), on the other hand, does not need to leave according to Ten Hag, but a "significant" offer could be considered for the departure of the Scottish player. Italian media on Thursday linked him to AS Roma, coached by former United manager José Mourinho. The club is also hoping for the temporary arrival of Mason Greenwood.
Acquisitions
With the potential departures of the aforementioned players, Ten Hag would have more financial power to bring in his desired goalkeeper and striker. According to Fabrizio Romano, United is still negotiating with Inter for the arrival of André Onana. Additionally, the club is still considering Feyenoord and Netherlands goalkeeper Justin Bijlow. For the striker position, the young Danish player Rasmus Højlund (20, Atalanta) seems to be the most prominent candidate.
