Manchester United still aiming to offload Antony, Sancho and Hojlund before transfer deadline

Club have spent plenty on incoming players this window and expect to be active before September 1

Rasmus Hojlund has been told he can leave Manchester United if the right offer comes in. Getty Images

The English transfer window closes on September 1. Although the Turkish transfer window closes a week later, and Turkey is one of the top destinations for Premier League players, most deals will be completed before the English deadline.

Manchester United, who finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their lowest place for 50 years, have been active this summer, bringing in many players during the transfer window. The National understands the club expects to be particularly active in what time remains.

Ruben Amorim’s goal-shy side have spent £200 million on three forwards: Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The latter two are Premier League proven with attractive age profiles. All three were welcomed by United fans.

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United need to move some players on, especially after the big financial outlays this window. Forward Marcus Rashford has gone to Barcelona on loan, with the Catalans having an option to buy next summer. Don’t be surprised to see similar deals for other players.

United’s Brazilian forward Antony, who excelled at Real Betis last term, is expected to leave. The Andalusian giants want to sign him again and Antony is happy to return. Negotiations have taken place, most recently on Monday, with the two clubs differing widely in their valuations. Betis keep asking to loan and not buy Antony and United have said no multiple times to this. United want a sale and know there’s a demand for a player who was one of the stars of La Liga last term. United’s respected chief negotiator is Matt Hargreaves, who was praised for his conduct and negotiating skills by Sesko’s agent.

United paid a fee of £82 million fee to buy Antony from Ajax in 2022, but given his lack of success at Old Trafford the club will be fortunate to get even half that back. Antony has other suitors in Spain and Germany. The Brazil forward has been training away from the first team, as has full-back Tyrell Malacia, who has also been training alone at non-league Trafford FC close to United’s Carrington training ground.

Wide man Jadon Sancho, another hugely expensive signing, is also set to leave but there's no agreements close. Several clubs are seriously interested in the England international, and he had a video call with Roma officials recently.

Rasmus Hojlund, 22, is being ushered out. The Danish striker was told the club would listen to offers for him three weeks ago and has been sidelined ever since. He wants to stay at United, but it’s clear that he’s not currently in his coach’s plans. Hojlund has suitors across several countries and is expected to leave. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig, flush with money after selling Sesko to United for €85 million and moving his huge wages off their books, are interested.

It’s understood that United value Hojlund at around €50 million, while Leipzig's valuation is closer to €35 million. A compromise could be reached. AC Milan are also interested in Hojlund, though the Italians would prefer a loan with an option to buy rather than a straight purchase.

Newcastle United also showed an interest in Hojlund, as did Fulham, but he was thought to be too expensive for their wage structure. Italian champions Napoli, who could afford his wages, have also shown interest, more so since Romelu Lukaku’s injury.

Exciting wide player Alejandro Garnacho wants to join Chelsea. There were negotiations between Chelsea and Garnacho’s camp in January but the London club’s valuation of the Argentina international is well short of United’s. United want £50 million, Chelsea are reticent to go higher than £35 million. Again, a compromise is needed. All the United players could stay at Old Trafford since they have contracts, yet footballers tend to want to play football and all will be keen to impress and play in the season ahead of a World Cup. United fans will largely back their club since they feel a major reconstruction of the squad is necessary.

Kobbie Mainoo has been left on the bench for United's opening games. Getty Images

The future of Kobbie Mainoo, who was part of the same United side that won the 2022 FA Youth Cup with Garnacho, is also subject to conjecture since he’s not been playing under Amorim and has yet to sign a new contract. Amorim said after Sunday’s draw at Fulham that he expects the midfielder to compete with United captain Bruno Fernandes for a place in the team. It’s expected that Mainoo will stay at Old Trafford, but don’t bet against him leaving if United get a large offer for the England international.

It's important to note that no potential outgoing transfers are currently advanced in their negotiations.

United want to bring in a goalkeeper and a midfielder and have identified Brighton’s box-to-box midfielder Carlos Baleba, 21, but Brighton's valuation of their player would make any move prohibitive.

United are also interested in bringing a goalkeeper with Royal Antwerp's 23-year-old Senne Lammens a target. The Belgian club are keen to sell, but United also need to sell players.

So, a busy week ahead in the transfer market for United, who will also play two games – away to fourth-tier Grimsby Town on Wednesday in the League Cup and at home to promoted Burnley in the league on Saturday. After an underwhelming start to the season, both are must-win games, while United also need wins in their outgoings.