Manchester United Banter Mobile

19 Jun 2026 07:39:02
{Ed's Note - OptimumShots has posted a new article entitled, Everton Need One Clear Squad Plan

18 Jun 2026 14:32:53
On the debt, should a business be trying to reduce what they pay to the banks each year, not increase it? Even if the 150 million from Amazon cleared something, it reduces the loan and interest due. Business looks in a better place, share prices
increase too. Your asset, the club, is more valuable. Maybe I'm being too logical.

18 Jun 2026 20:21:27
Or use the money to invest. Lots of businesses and countries grow via debt. If your earnings increase more than your debt, then that is the aim. Ineos were clear on day one that they want to make the operation leaner, but invest in the playing side. They have kept to that. Our debt has increased in the time they've been here, but it has resulted in CL qualification and a much improved playing squad, along with a reduced squad payroll.


Just paying off debts is not always the right approach. Austerity hasn't worked as well for most countries as an investment-based approach that took on more debt did. So I disagree that your point is more logical. It's far more nuanced than that.

18 Jun 2026 00:44:40
When do they, the Glazers and Ineos, start looking at the cost the huge debt is taking each year? Surely any business can see this needs to be reduced not increased.

18 Jun 2026 06:41:15
Most businesses work perfectly well with large debts and if their interest cover is good it's not really an issue, so I doubt they will be too bothered at this stage.

18 Jun 2026 07:06:02
Gds,
I wish people understood finance, this debt is definitely an issue.

Debt is used to help the business maximise its opportunities, to build premises, buy things for the business, help it grow. The Glazer debt is not that. It has been a millstone round the club's neck for 20 years plus.
Most businesses, as you say, run with debt, but it is to help them run efficiently. Ours was just to make the Glazers rich, with no beneficial impact. So, Gds, once you max your personal credit and then want to borrow to buy a car, what happens? You can't.

Redcon,
They are running at the maximum, made losses in recent years, cannot afford a significant repayment plan.

When they make a profit the owners take dividends. Unless there is a major change, or change of owners, the debt will remain a millstone. The Glazers have never made a major change to the stadium, because it's punitive to borrow more money to do it, given the level of debt we have. Plus, it didn't benefit them. The only improvement came at the beginning, where the money and commitment were there from the old regime.

In summary, the debt is a disgrace and a disaster, a continuing millstone round the club's neck.

18 Jun 2026 07:16:02
At this point, the Glazers have cost United about £900 million in interest payments on their debt, since they placed the club in debt in 2005. It equates to £45 million per year, although it had been much higher around 2010, and much lower in recent years. That's essentially an extra big-name signing per summer for the last 20 years, or, alternatively, a damn good start on building a new stadium.

We have, however, just refinanced the old $425 million in bonds with shiny new $550 million in bonds at a higher rate. Combined with the variable interest rates on our other loans and revolving credit facility, we will comfortably be paying a further £35-45 million every year in interest for the foreseeable future.

Obviously, I understand this is far from disastrous, having earned much greater Premier League prize money in the 25/26 season versus the 24/25 season, and the significant extra revenue from Champions League football next season, not to mention an enormous deal with Amazon.



But, this is not a debt that has ever been in any way helpful for the club, in the way that borrowing large sums in the short term can be beneficial for long-term growth for ordinary businesses. It has been nothing but a burden that has hampered this football club for two decades now, and the Glazers deserve to walk away with nothing.

We won't be paying off the bonds any time soon, since they are secured at a fixed rate for the next 5 years, so the interest on that will cost us at least $29 million per year. But, hopefully, even with making some significant moves in the transfer market this summer, all this extra revenue will allow the club to reduce the principal on our other loans and our revolving credit facility.

Perhaps one day the leeches will sell up and pay off the bonds themselves, since the bonds are solely their own debt, but I won't be holding my breath.

18 Jun 2026 08:01:19
Gilly,
Spot on.

18 Jun 2026 08:04:14
What realistically are the options for the club to get out of the debt cycle that it is in?

Glazers are not going to change tack now and pay off the debt they put on the club, and are not likely to take less should they sell with the balance going to pay this off on their way out. Ineos. I am not convinced this is something they would look to do should they take over; would they even be in a position to, on the basis they would be paying billions to buy the Glazers out.

New owners clearing it on the way in? As we saw with the last sale process, there are not many out there willing to buy at the Glazer price.

So, what can the club realistically do whilst still looking for success?

18 Jun 2026 09:08:41
The only way the debt will be cleared is if Utd get a new rich Saudi, Qatari owner.

18 Jun 2026 14:44:43
They didn't increase the debt overall. They increased the fixed long-term debt, which would correspondingly decrease the revolving short-term debt and/or increase cash reserves. It actually makes some sense, since the fixed debt was apparently repayable next year anyway.

The only way overall debt reduces is by making profits, selling assets, a capital cash injection, a merger, or outright sale.

18 Jun 2026 15:17:32
How many times has this been flogged to death? It is what it is, and there are no queues of buyers lining up, so hardly any point revisiting the same ol same ol.
Ineos has not got the money to buy either, so it is what it is.

18 Jun 2026 17:29:33
JSU
It gets revisited because someone said the debt isn't an issue.

18 Jun 2026 18:38:30
Like some on here need a reason to harp on about the same ol thing for the past 2 decades.
There is no buyer in waiting with bag loads of cash, SJR has not got it, so it goes on, but what's the point in keep harping on about same ol problem week after week, month after month... Pointless even worrying about.

19 Jun 2026 06:48:05
Jsu,
Until the club is free of the poisonous Glazers and runs debt free, I will never give the leeches a free pass (as you basically suggest) as long as I live.

17 Jun 2026 11:23:00
Looking like 2 new Midfielders, Ederson and Fernandez, cost around 100mill, hopefully. With players still to exit, Urgarte, Zirkzee, Rash, Onana, Byindir I can see 2 or 3 more signings defence and attack. Given all the changes with managers next season could be very different, it's important they get the signing right, we are build the core of a very good young side.

17 Jun 2026 13:20:29
Personal opinion, but don't think Ederson and Fernandes are good enough as signings to replace Casemiro.

I would have expected the club to sign someone more experienced at the top level, and who is physically strong enough to complement Mainoo.



Hope I am wrong, but think the club is missing an obvious signing in Tonali, even at an elevated price/wages/agent fee etc., like we did with Rice a few years ago.

17 Jun 2026 13:45:15
Exactly Dsg, plus if you listen to Casemiro he states Mainoo is a fantastic player with every attribute, but the only problem is he needs pushing in every game, even every training session, because he is so laid back, which makes sense because Mainoo's best games are next to Cas.

For that you need an experienced player, and no other young player is capable of that or even bothered doing that...

We can't just sign young potential. We are not in that position. We need some experienced players, especially in the spine.

17 Jun 2026 14:29:38
Yes JSU, you know better than Casemiro.

17 Jun 2026 14:59:20
I'd normally agree, Dsg, but I don't believe that we are in a squad depth position to spend 100+ on a player where we could buy 2 at say 50m. I believe it's about building for next season and I trust the recruitment department that they know what they are doing.

17 Jun 2026 15:08:18
If Rashford, Onana and Ugarte were sold quickly, then it would become more feasible for Utd to spend £100 million on a player. The PSR headroom that the club would get from selling those three players would be huge. Although I think Onana and Ugarte's fees would allow the club to break even based on their amortisation cost.

I do feel the club are trying not to get into transfer battles and undergo long, complicated, tedious negotiations.

To put it simply, judge the recruitment team after the transfer window closes.

17 Jun 2026 15:47:40
What are you talking about, AJH? That is what Casemiro said; nothing to do with me. He also said he needs pushing in everything. Not me. Go watch it if you like, then make your sarcastic quips.

17 Jun 2026 15:48:30
One slight problem MH, who the hell is going to want to buy Onana..... that's a real worry.

17 Jun 2026 16:14:46
Just for you, Ajh... you may feel a bit silly now.
Casemiro heavily praised his Manchester United midfield partner, Kobbie Mainoo, calling him an "unbelievable" player who is the "present and future of the club". However, Casemiro stressed that Mainoo needs to be constantly pushed to maintain consistency and concentration.

17 Jun 2026 17:16:53
PSR is done, Mad Hatter. United will only have to comply with the UEFA 70% squad cost rule, which, with revenues likely to be between £750-800m this coming year, they will do with ease. More relevant is debt limits and profitability, although the increasing and refinancing long-term debt, even if it comes at a higher price, will mean there's extra room in the revolving credit facility.

17 Jun 2026 17:37:22
JSU,

Trazonspor are keen on Onana. I think a deal can be done.

17 Jun 2026 17:41:04
Newnameoldideas,

Whilst that may be true, selling those three players would certainly help Utd, especially when you consider the squad cost as well. It would give Utd more headroom for the rebuild they need this summer.

17 Jun 2026 21:55:00
Going to be a busy August.

18 Jun 2026 00:20:26
Yes, I'm sure they'd love to get rid of all those 5. Current squad cost minus Cas and Sancho is less than £300m inc Ugarte and Zirkzee. If we have to keep Rashford and Onana, it will be closer to £325m.

Assuming revenues of £750m, there's still £175m+ headroom. A £75m player on £200k a week costs £25m a year. So, considerable room even if they fail to sell or loan any of them out, which I doubt will happen.

18 Jun 2026 05:57:46
I accept your point JSU, but in the context of what he said, I don't think it's a big issue. He called him uniquely gifted, an unbelievable talent, the present and future of United, who possesses a relentless drive to improve.

He then urged him to stay hungry and push himself every day. I guess we can interpret that comment in different ways.

What is true is that some still doubt Mainoo is top class, and hopefully he can carry on from how he finished last season.

18 Jun 2026 13:37:53
Very difficult to misinterpret. He needs pushing every game, every training session... That's quite damning, really, even with all the plaudits in the same sentence, and, to me, concerning. It's a different world now, yes, but it's hard to teach hunger. It's hard to teach get up and go, even in the professional world of non football, so, if you not got it in the football world, it's a concern. He should have woke up by now and smelt the coffee.

Clearly RA did not think he had, but Cas took it on himself to push him. My concern is now, who does that going forward?
That will not come with another potential only buy, going in next to him. That's needs another very experienced players, especially who don't mind losing some of his own game to help Mainoo. Those players in this selfish world are few and far between. Cass seen it all and done it, so for him not a problem, others maybe.

15 Jun 2026 22:50:24
If the rumours are to be believed Utd are seriously interested in Lewis Hall.
I have read about the transfer fee being 70m but can't believe Utd would pay such a huge amount.

What do you think he is worth?

16 Jun 2026 06:41:11
They may as well pay a bit extra and go for Tonali at that price.

16 Jun 2026 06:45:59
Cucurella to Madrid set a level at circa £50m, far more experienced. Hall is younger, but didn't make the England squad. It's down to negotiation, but Newcastle will want to max it. Given they sold Gordon for less than £70m, a forward, that figure is unreasonable for a full back.

16 Jun 2026 09:37:08
70mill for someone who will make that position their own for a decade is peanuts.

16 Jun 2026 09:43:03
Part of the issue in price is the sell-on clause Newcastle must give Chelsea 20% of the fee received.
I don't care what anyone says, there is no value in this market. The prices paid for largely unproven players are off the charts.


70m for a full back. 🤣 The world's gone mad.
United trying to string-arm West Ham on Fernandes.
I like the tactic of not just meeting a crazy price.

16 Jun 2026 12:13:08
My guess is that there's a better and less expensive choice than Hall out there, but can United unearth the player from a less expensive source than the EPL, where clubs don't necessarily need or want to sell.

I find it difficult to believe that United don't have a backup plan behind the Lewis Hall headline. For example, maybe Mazraoui moves to LB, where he's been deployed effectively for Morocco, and we end up buying a RB.

16 Jun 2026 12:31:32
Bayern are paying around £55m for the young German left back. Hall is not worth any more than that, in my opinion.

But if the powers that be are insisting on buying prem proven players, then they'll be forced to overpay.

16 Jun 2026 12:51:09
I like Hall, but not sure we need to be sucked into an inflated English player bidding war with Chelsea (the obvious replacement for Cucurella).
Quite like Maxi Araujo at Sporting.

16 Jun 2026 13:05:31
£70m is outrageous for him. A solid full back isn't going to push the dial for us, and Shaw was better last season than him. He's not an immediate priority. Sign a back up to Shaw and save the big money for midfield.

16 Jun 2026 13:31:14
For the fees being thrown about, surely we have an LB in Harry Amass capable of supporting Luke Shaw next season, getting some minutes and experience, ready to take over the following season, who has all the credentials and ability levels to be as good if not better than Hall? We also have Diego Leon to compete with Amass.

I've always felt RB was a more pressing position to focus on ahead of LB, anyway.

16 Jun 2026 14:02:11
Ports,

That's not a bad shout, but I think Amass needs another loan.

16 Jun 2026 14:33:05
Back up to Shaw next season? You are joking, right? Shaw had an unbelievable, injury-free season. You are really expecting the same again... You are being very optimistic.

Who cares if the targets are 70m or 100 mill. Let's just get done what has been identified. Rather pay 70 m than 50m for someone on the back of him doing ok in another league...



The kid everyone is raving about, who had a good game for Morocco the other day, I looked up his last 15 games. In virtually every game, he scored 6 out of 10 and did not even reach a 7 out of 10, and that was in a poorer league. That is clearly the reason no one bought him yet, and a perfect reason why we won't. We're not in the position to take more gambles.

16 Jun 2026 15:03:25
I ain't worried about Hall or the figures, more worried about the latest rumour: Summerville for £50 million.

He simply isn't good enough & am hoping it's just another bulls*** rumour.

16 Jun 2026 15:06:25
Luke Shaw is crap, offers nothing in attack, really, and probably won't be fit as much with no wc to hope for.

16 Jun 2026 15:17:59
Jsu, I don't see Hall as the same type of gamble as that lad. Buying young guys now is a huge gamble, as they go for such big money before they have achieved anything. Buying young, and from abroad, for such huge sums compounds the risk.

16 Jun 2026 19:06:03
I'd much rather Dorgu at LB and buy another LW.

16 Jun 2026 19:29:47
Part of why Utd are targeting Hall and not some overseas LB is the homegrown quota for Europe. There's only 5 HG players in the current squad, with the requirement being 8.
Shaw, Heaven, Maguire, Mainoo, Mount.

I believe Heaven is young enough he wouldn't need to be registered, but either way, at this point, Utd would only be able to register a squad of 22 players instead of 25 for the CL next season.

16 Jun 2026 20:05:42
Hall is better than Shaw at left back. Shaw is basically a CB these days. Agree with Ken that he will be back to the treatment table frequently next season after his miraculous World Cup season.

16 Jun 2026 21:20:28
Fuser, if they promote a few of the youth team into the squad, it should help the quota of home-grown.

For me, Shaw was the best left full-back in the Premier League last season. Maybe I haven't seen enough of Hall to judge him fairly, but 70m is just way too much in my opinion for any full-back.



It's a very important position, but not as much as centre-back, midfield, or striker. The "English" and "Man Utd" premium that clubs always try to get should be stoutly resisted, unless we are talking about exceptional players.

How much would Keane, Robson, or Rooney be priced at today?

16 Jun 2026 23:06:09
We paid "over the odds" for Keane, Cole, Rooney, Ferdinand. How did that work out?

Not saying which players, the scouts and recruiting team need to do their job and find the best players. Paying a bit over for the right players is what ultimately will bring success. Jumping to midtable players and still playing over the odds is what gets us nowhere.



Hall is like a young Shaw for what it's worth. I don't trust Shaw's ability to stay fit, but also, he has very little attacking contribution. His days of under and overlapping have waned and he is no longer the player he was. Nowhere near the best in the EPL last season.

16 Jun 2026 23:25:19
Amass, Dorgu, Diego Leon?

Why not do some coaching and get the above three ready to take over from Shaw?

17 Jun 2026 02:37:16
Salford, you don't need to include u21's in the list if they've been at the club for 2 years (I believe) or there's a separate list for them. I suppose, look at the other way, you can only register 17 foreign players in a 25 man squad. Whether it's Hall at LB, or Anderson at CM, Utd are going to have to look to sign at least one if not 2 HG players if they want a full squad.



Lammens, Martinez, De Ligt, Yoro, Dorgu, Mazroui, Amad, Dalot, Fernandes, Cunha, Mbuembo, Sesko, Ederson.

That's 13 out of 17 slots taken. With a backup GK, Backup ST, 2 CM's. Anything after that: another forward, RB/LB, they'd both have to be HG.

17 Jun 2026 03:20:44
It's a nice fairytale that these kids come in and play in these positions, but reality is they are not good enough atm... so if who we want and the position we want is 70 mil then so be it.

No good harping back to how much whoever was in yesteryear, it's today's world, over inflated, you either buy or don't buy, end of.



Dorgu is not a great LB, Shaw is much better, but just can't stay fit. So we need another, and if that's Hall at 70m, do it and move on.

17 Jun 2026 09:44:09
Buying Hall allows us to finally rid the club of Luke Shaw next summer. Shaw can leave. Amass can step up after another loan, Leon is floating about, and there is another LB in the youth team.

Why would we bring Dorgu back from what he has established as a preferred position, befitting of his attributes, and have him as a liability again? Seems incredibly illogical.

17 Jun 2026 11:19:36
Utd can also promote youth players to meet the HG quota as well. Let's not forget Rashford is back. I don't think he will be here for the start of the season.

17 Jun 2026 12:37:11
Crikey, I hope not.