'The noises I hear' - Paul Scholes names the two key stars he expects Man Utd to sell in the summer in bid to raise funds for transfers

The Portuguese tactician is tasked with cleaning up the remnants of a fractured squad, as United’s current campaign edges toward massive disappointment. Amorim has been candid in his assessment, stating that significant changes are needed across the pitch. However, he has also acknowledged the financial limitations he faces - a problem that could make attracting top-tier talent especially difficult.

While Amorim concedes that signings from elite clubs like Real Madrid are unrealistic, he still intends to target the best - and those won't come cheap. With several positions demanding immediate reinforcement, Amorim's initial transfer budget is expected to be modest unless player sales provide additional funds. That reality could lead to difficult decisions, particularly when it comes to offloading players, especially academy products with significant market value.

United legend Scholes said on Premier League Productions: "It has to be a major concern. Where's the money coming from for new signings? We saw those interviews with Sir Jim, and they didn't make good reading. It doesn't look like Ruben Amorim will get a war chest to go to war with. It doesn't feel like that.

"I get the impression, and I could be wrong, but I think they might sell the two young players. I think they might sell (Kobbie) Mainoo and (Alejandro) Garnacho. Maybe they sell them this summer. The Mainoo one would hurt. They both would. Garnacho came later, but Mainoo has been at the club since he was a kid. He had a brilliant season last year, and it makes the academy system look bad if a player like him can't make it and they have to sell him. I hope I'm wrong. I hope they don't do that, but the noises I hear it is a big concern."

While Garnacho and Mainoo hold substantial market value - estimated at a combined £85 million according to Transfermarkt - they are not the only players who could be sold to generate funds. Several current loanees, including Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, are expected to be moved on permanently. In addition, a handful of veterans will leave as free agents when their contracts expire in July, including Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, and Tom Heaton, freeing up space on the wage bill.