Manchester United are ready to sell five players for a combined fee of over £100million as they look to raise funds for another Jose Mourinho transfer spree. The Red Devils have made progress under Mourinho this season but know further spending is necessary with rivals Manchester City storming clear in the Premier League. Mourinho is said to be preparing to sell a number of players this summer and was certain that a mass clear-out was necessary even before United’s shock Champions League exit.
United transfer The Sun say Mourinho has been told by Old Trafford chiefs that he will need to raise cash to spend on signings this summer, with around £130m available to him before sales. It is claimed United are targeting huge returns for multiple players, with the club hoping to sell Luke Shaw, the full-back who has fallen out of favour under Mourinho, for at least £28m. Fellow defender Chris Smalling, who has also endured a frustrating season for the Red Devils, will reportedly be sold for £25m, while United want Matteo Darmian and Daley Blind to leave for £14m each.
Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera, who is currently out injured, is another player Mourinho is said to be prepared to lose – £27m is the price-tag on his head. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has already left the club, joining MLS club LA Galaxy after his United contract was terminated by mutual consent, while Marouane Fellaini is expected to leave after rejecting multiple contract offers. Upon joining Galaxy, Ibrahimovic said: ‘I decided to sign here because I think it’s the right place for me. I have a lot to give, I can help them a lot, and they are the best team in the US. ‘There were no doubts. I have a lot of expectations, I put pressure on myself, I demand a lot in my game. I’m just looking forward to playing, I need to play.
‘I’m like a little child who you give candy to for the first time and he’s looking for the candy all the time. That is what I need. I need to play and I want to play. ‘I’m hungry to play because it’s gone too long now, I haven’t felt involved in the game and I need to feel involved. Because this is what I’ve been doing all my life.’
