Man Utd 'handcuffed by ­Financial Fair Play' with transfer plans on pause

Aug 19, 2023

Rio Ferdinand insists Manchester United are "handcuffed" by Financial Fair Play rules with further investment in the transfer market looking unlikely unless they can recoup funds from player sales. In July, UEFA's Club Financial Control Body fined Man Utd £256,744 for a "minor breakeven deficit" and the Red Devils will have to remain cautious with their spending to ensure they don't receive any further sanctions.

The Red Devils have had a much quieter window than fans have come to expect. They got their business done early with Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana all brought in before the start of the new Premier League season.

But with a total expenditure of £164.5million and an income of only £32.5m from player sales, further business will be difficult given their current financial situation. United are hoping to bring in Sofyan Amrabat from Fiorentina before the window closes on September 1, however, the deal has been stalled by their ongoing FFP issues.

Writing in his most recent column in the Sunday Mirror, Ferdinand timed in on his former club's transfer business so far. "I’m told that United are handcuffed by ­Financial Fair Play, and more significant investment in the transfer market is unlikely unless they can generate cash by moving players on," he wrote.

"If a deal can be arranged to secure Harry Maguire’s ­departure then that money must be given to Ten Hag for further reinforcements. Balancing the books is a fact of football life.

"But Ten Hag delivered his part of the bargain last ­season by taking United back into the Champions League and winning the Carabao Cup. United fans hoped that the Glazers would then make their exit – and allow new owners to build on that ­success by investing in the team and the infrastructure of the club.

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"It turned out to be an ­inconsistent start to the ­season on the pitch, but I’ll reserve my judgment on United’s prospects until the international break next month. The important thing is that the fans stay behind the team, and don’t allow their vitriol for the Glazers to ­poison performances."

It looks as though Dean Henderson will be the next player out of the door at Old Trafford after being cleared to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace on Sunday. The fee for the goalkeeper is currently being discussed between both clubs with the move expected to be a permanent one.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce shot-stopper Altay Bayindir is set to undergo a medical with the Red Devils on the same day ahead of his £6m move to the Premier League.

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