Man Utd FFP: Where do Red Devils sit after summer transfers?

Manchester United have not been afraid to state their intentions during Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first summer transfer window.

The Red Devils, who had been hamstrung by Financial Fair Play (FFP) concerns last January, have been eager to splash the cash ahead of the 2024/25 season and have already parted with some hefty sums for new recruits.

Their summer business is unlikely to have finished as Man Utd look to right the wrongs of a largely dismal 2023/24 campaign, but facilitating lucrative deals won't be straightforward as they look to comply with FFP regulations.

How much have Man Utd spent this summer?

The Red Devils have been proactive in reinforcing their squad this summer and have already seen Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee arrive at Old Trafford. The former made his debut in a recent friendly victory over Rangers and set Man Utd back an initial £42m from Lille, with a potential £10m in add-ons. The 18-year-old is one for the present and the future.

The new number nine that Man Utd were unable to afford in the winter window has been secured this summer, with Bologna's Zikzee making the move to join Dutch compatriot Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford. The young forward cost the club slightly more than his £34m release clause as it allowed them to pay the fee over multiple instalments.

How much have Man Utd recouped from player sales this summer?

Man Utd have recouped some of the money spent on Yoro and Zirkzee during the the transfer window, with four significant player sales. Mason Greenwood is the largest sale in terms of money acquired, with his £26.6m move to Marseille freeing up funds.

Young academy prospects Willy Kambwala and Alvaro Fernandez have joined Villarreal and Benfica respectively, with fees received reaching a combined £11.4m. Forgotten Dutchman Donny van de Beek has also left the club to join Girona, initially earning Man Utd just £420,000. However, he could cost the Spanish side up to £16.9m in performance-related add-ons, many of which are considered fairly achievable.

Can Man Utd continue to spend this transfer window?

Man Utd continue to be linked with a host of high-profile names, including the likes of Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite. But can they sign these players without breaching FFP rules?

Football finance expert Dave Powell has suggested Man Utd must sell players before they can commit to spending on transfers. The Red Devils do have 'flexibility' when it comes to recruitment, but they still need to sanction sales.

Speaking about Man Utd's spending, Powell claimed: "Now into a new financial year, Manchester United have the ability to be more flexible with additions, although the sales of the likes of Donny van de Beek, Willy Kambwala and Alvaro Fernandez should be instructive as to United's approach to the summer window.

"In order for future additions, such as Jarrad Branthwaite, they will likely have to go to the well of selling off talent."

Who could Man Utd sell to earn money?

Fortunately for Man Utd, they have plenty of deadwood capable of earning them some extra cash. Casemiro is one of those who has been linked with a summer exit and Saudi Arabia are reportedly keen on the Brazilian, who endured a torrid 2023/24 campaign. The Red Devils will be aiming to milk him for more than his value.

Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could all be sold in the backline to make room for new signings. The latter has been strongly linked with a potential move to West Ham United.

Further forward, Scott McTominay could be another useful resource. The Scot may have scored some important goals last season, but he's failed to secure a consistent spot in the starting XI. Fulham have been sniffing around his signature.

Christian Eriksen could also be let go as he reaches the end of his career, while Jadon Sancho may be allowed to leave. While the winger has patched things up with Ten Hag, he is attracting 'significant interest' from Paris Saint-Germain.

Man Utd will not be able to recoup nearly as much of the £82m Antony fee as they would like, but the Brazilian could also be on the chopping block this summer after several awful campaigns.