Manchester United £200m fire sale claim as striker transfer target criticised

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Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Sunday afternoon as they travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle United.

The Reds will be looking to improve their position in the Premier League table, with Ruben Amorim’s men currently sitting in 13th place in the league. Eyes may also be on the Europa League quarter-final.

After a 2-2 draw against Lyon on Thursday night, United welcome the French club to Old Trafford in just a few days as they look to progress in the competition. Success in the Europa League could see the club playing Champions League football next season.

That would be a big boost in the upcoming transfer window, both in terms of finances and attracting potential targets. It’s set to be a big window for United as Amorim continues to shape his squad.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the latest stories over the last 24 hours.

Transfer target criticised

Reported United transfer target Jean-Philippe Mateta has been told that he can ‘do better’ by his own manager Oliver Glasner. Mateta is one of the strikers that United have been linked with over the last few days, with GiveMeSport claiming he’s on the list of possible targets.

Mateta started Crystal Palace’s 5-2 loss against Manchester City on Saturday, but was taken off at half time. After the match, Glasner outlined the decision to make a change.

“Now, I have to say it was the wrong decision. Not taking him off, but changing the formation to a 3-5-2,” he said in his post match press conference. “We wanted to control the midfield more, but it didn’t work.

“Subbing him wasn’t a mistake, he can do better than he did in the first half. He lost too many duels and balls. That’s why we decided to change something. The mistake I made was to change the system, not subbing JP.”

MEN Sport says: Mateta wouldn’t be a bad shout for a striker option for United in the summer transfer window, he does offer a lot in his all around game as well as his goalscoring.

However, Palace are likely to ask for a big fee should United make a move.

United set for £200m overhaul

Manchester United are planning on raising around £200 million for potential incomings in the summer transfer window by selling as many as nine players in an overhaul of the squad in the window.

The Mirror report that sales of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia can raise money in the window. The report adds that the club are also open to listening to offers for Casemiro, Andre Onana and Alejandro Garnacho, while there is still uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo.

It is added that the sales could also save up to £80 million a year on wages.

MEN Sport says: There’s no doubt that United do need an overhaul in the summer, and if the club can fund incoming transfers with sales, then that will only be a good thing. If they can raise the figure that they expect to is still to be seen.

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