Manchester United Faces Transfer Challenges as Sancho Deal Looms

Manchester United is struggling to finalize player transfers as the summer window approaches its end. With less than two weeks remaining, the club has yet to move several players, most notably Jadon Sancho, who remains a critical part of ongoing negotiations with AS Roma.

At the beginning of the transfer window, several players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Tyrell Malacia, Antony, and Sancho, indicated a desire to leave Old Trafford. So far, only Rashford has secured a move, joining Barcelona on a season-long loan in July, with the Spanish club covering his full wages and holding an option for a permanent transfer.

Despite initial intentions to depart, Malacia, Garnacho, Sancho, and Antony have yet to finalize moves away from Manchester. Recently, Garnacho reportedly rejected a proposal from Bayern Munich in favor of a potential switch to Chelsea, although that transfer remains unconfirmed. Meanwhile, Antony is still linked with a return to Real Betis, but concrete developments have not emerged.

Sancho’s situation is particularly notable as he has spent the last season and a half out on loan. According to Sky Italy, AS Roma has expressed interest and reached a preliminary agreement for a transfer valued at €19 million (£16.4 million), with an additional €5 million (£4.3 million) in add-ons. However, negotiations over personal terms have stalled, and reports suggest that Sancho declined the opportunity to join the Serie A club.

The transfer saga could provide Manchester United with a strategic opportunity. If Sancho does move to Roma, the club may use that momentum to strengthen their midfield, an area they have identified as a priority. After enhancing their attacking options with the signings of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, United is now looking for a defensive midfielder.

United’s interest in Carlos Baleba has cooled, and they face challenges in negotiating with Crystal Palace for Adam Wharton. With time running out and financial constraints becoming more pressing, the club’s options for strengthening their squad are limited.

One potential solution could lie in Manu Kone, who made his move to Roma permanent this summer after joining on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach last season. Following the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini, Kone has been linked to a move away from Roma, with Inter Milan reportedly vying for his signature. Kone, capable of playing both as a holding midfielder and a box-to-box player, could be an ideal target for United to pursue in exchange for Sancho.

This potential swap could benefit both clubs. For Manchester United, selling one of their surplus players like Sancho while acquiring a highly sought-after midfielder would address immediate needs. Furthermore, it could alleviate some of the financial pressure the club faces, reducing the urgency of large expenditures in the current transfer window.

As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, Manchester United finds itself at a crossroads. They must navigate the delicate balance of player sales and acquisitions to strengthen their squad while managing the expectations of fans and stakeholders alike.