Manchester United have only ever sold nine players for more than £25 million, a remarkably low number that highlights the club's struggle to maximise returns on out-of-favour players. This summer, they have been unable to find a buyer willing to pay north of £25 million for Marcus Rashford, while Jadon Sancho left for nothing after a series of loans.
To put that into perspective, Chelsea have sold eight players for £25 million or more in the last two summers alone. Manchester City have also had success cashing in on fringe players, with Yan Couto, Oscar Bobb and James McAtee - three players with fewer than 50 Premier League games between them - each going for at least £25 million in the summer of 2025.
United's Record Sales
David Beckham - £25m: The England international fell out with Sir Alex Ferguson during the 2002/03 season and moved to Real Madrid. While he cemented his status as a global superstar, he won just two more league titles in Europe - one with Madrid and one during a loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain.
Daniel James - £25m: James joined from Swansea for £15m in 2019, scoring on his Premier League debut, before costing Leeds United £25m just two years later. His time at Elland Road has been mixed, but he signed a contract extension last summer after helping Leeds win promotion and featured in half of their Premier League games.
Recent High-Profile Sales
Scott McTominay - £25.7m: McTominay moved to Napoli and was a major player in their title win last season. He has already scored more league goals in two Serie A seasons than in his entire United career and earned a Ballon d'Or nomination.
Mason Greenwood - £26.6m: Greenwood moved to Marseille in 2024, scoring 48 goals in 81 appearances before being offloaded to Fenerbahce. United included clauses to protect themselves, resulting in a recent payout.
Alejandro Garnacho - £40m: Garnacho was sold to Chelsea in the summer of 2025 but flattered to deceive at Stamford Bridge. He has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan with a conditional obligation to make the move permanent.
Bigger Fees, Mixed Results
Rasmus Hojlund - £43.2m: Hojlund joined from Atalanta in a deal worth up to £72m but moved to Napoli for just over half that amount. A permanent option was triggered when Napoli qualified for the Champions League, with his 12 league goals a factor.
Angel Di Maria - £44m: Di Maria joined PSG for £44m in 2015, a loss on the £60m United paid a year earlier. He thrived in Paris and starred in Argentina's 2022 World Cup win. Now 38, he rejoined Rosario Central in 2025 and has seven goals this season.
Romelu Lukaku - £74m: Lukaku left for Inter Milan for a fraction less than the £75m United paid Everton. He thrived in Italy, earning a £97.5m move to Chelsea, but struggled there. He joined Napoli in 2024 and helped them win Serie A in his first season.
Cristiano Ronaldo - £80m: Ronaldo remains United's record sale, with Real Madrid paying £80m in 2009. He repaid them with four Champions League titles. Now 41, he won his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr last season.
