Manchester United are planning to sell three attackers to fund their intended signings of Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap. The Red Devils have pinpointed Cunha and Delap as key targets to bolster an attack that has only managed a meagre 38 goals in 33 Premier League games this season, resulting in a -8 goal difference. Cunha’s representatives have expressed openness to United’s interest in the 25-year-old, who could see his £90,000-a-week salary doubled.
Delap, 22, fits into United’s recruitment strategy which is to favour younger talents. The impending relegation of Ipswich Town will activate a £30million release clause in Delap’s contract, while Cunha also has a £62.5m release clause agreed with Wolves in January.
United’s previous move for Joshua Zirkzee was primarily due to his release clause, allowing his £36.5m fee to be paid in instalments over three years. Under new chief executive Omar Berrada, United capped their spending at £60m for any of their five signings last summer.
The 20-time English champions are planning to balance out an estimated £92.5m expense for Cunha and Delap by the planned sales of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony, all currently out on loan.
Aston Villa have the option to make Rashford’s move permanent for £40m, Chelsea are committed to buying Sancho for between £20m and £25m, while Antony’s value has surged due to his impressive form for Real Betis.
United would need to secure at least £32.52m for Antony to break even under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules. The Brazilian winger arrived at Old Trafford for a significant £81.3m fee last year, committing to a five-year contract in 2022.
Chelsea are reportedly considering paying a penalty fee to bypass a commitment to buy Sancho, who hasn’t managed to make his mark with the London side. At 25, Sancho is approaching the end of his contract with United next year, marking this summer as possibly the final opportunity for the club to sell the underperforming player.
Rashford, aged 27, whose current contract keeps him at United until 2028, was described by an insider last week as “never been happier” away from United during his time at Villa, according to the MEN.
On the heels of United’s 1-0 loss to Wolves, head coach Ruben Amorim couldn’t hide his appreciation for Cunha. Under Wolves’ Portuguese coach Vitor Pereira, Cunha has been pivotal in the 3-4-2-1 formation, acting as one of the playmakers.
Amorim is on the lookout for a specialist playmaker to fill in behind the striker position, as Bruno Fernandes may permanently shift to central midfield in the upcoming season.
This search is partly due to Amad being out of action for over two months with an ankle injury, despite shining in the No.10 role previously.
Cunha’s record for discipline, however, might be off-putting for potential suitors. He has collected suspensions totalling six matches this season after altercations including a post-match scuffle with an Ipswich security guard and a dismissal at Bournemouth.
The Brazil international made his intentions to depart Wolves clear in an interview last month and went on to post an Instagram story stating, “Time to be happy. I will follow my dreams and yours… So stay cool.” However, Cunha swiftly removed the post from his account.
This story first appeared on the Manchester Evening News
Content Source: www.express.co.uk