“The are very important prayers but we have to let them go to be able to raise up to £230 to sign this Two Italian world class players. Just like Chelsea sold there players. We have to make the sacrifice”-Man Utd transfer chief travels to Saudi Arabia to put ‘four key players up for sale.

Manchester United’s football director, John Murtough, recently traveled to Saudi Arabia with the aim of selling four key players to generate funds for the club. Despite significant financial support over the summer, the team’s challenging start to Erik ten Hag’s second season has led to the need for reinforcements.

In the past, Manchester United has been known for extravagant spending, but this approach has put them in a precarious position. To comply with financial regulations, the club must sell before making new acquisitions. Close to the Profit and Sustainability Rules limit in the Premier League and pushing the boundaries of UEFA financial rules, the Red Devils are facing financial constraints.

UEFA fined United £260,000 last July for a ‘minor break-even deficit’ in the 2022/23 accounting period. In response to this situation, Murtough embarked on a trade mission to Saudi Arabia to establish new relationships and offload unwanted players. The primary goal for the upcoming January transfer window is to sell Jadon Sancho, whose future with the club seems uncertain after a falling out with Ten Hag.

Other players potentially on the selling list include Anthony Martial, Casemiro, and Raphael Varane. While the club is open to offers, they are not desperate to sell these players due to their important roles in Ten Hag’s squad, and the trio collectively cost the club £230 million.

Saudi Pro League clubs might face challenges in signing Manchester United players in January due to exceeding their overseas player quotas. Murtough returned to Manchester without securing any agreements during his trip. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.25 billion investment looming and an anticipated staff shakeup at United, Murtough’s efforts to establish relationships with Saudi sides could influence summer transfers.

Regardless of the outcomes, Jadon Sancho appears likely to become the next unsuccessful high-profile signing at Old Trafford. The club’s strategy to balance finances and strengthen the squad is a delicate balancing act that will unfold in the coming months.