Manchester United could sell more players than planned amid takeover uncertainty

Manchester United are stuck in a state of limbo as they go about executing their summer transfer plans.

Having reached an impasse in their pursuit of Mason Mount, they are themselves in somewhat of an uncertain situation as they try to calculate their next steps.

United are still prioritising the addition of a striker this summer, while the need for a new goalkeeper will also likely amplify when David de Gea's contract expires this week.

They are also looking to add a new midfielder to their squad, though as uncertainty grows over who that might be, there is even an argument to suggest those plans should be put on hold until other areas can be addressed first.

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United's dilemma is that there are so many different variables that are deeply interlinked. The uncertain takeover situation casts doubt over how much money will be available throughout the window, and instead the club is having to operate with a slight sense of caution over finances.

Player sales will make up a huge part of their summer business, not only to supplement the budget but also to ensure they meet Financial Fair Play criteria as well.

It means that United would be best advised to operate with the approach of a 'worst-case scenario', in that they might struggle to sell as many players as they want and might also not be boosted by an injection of cash from a successful takeover.

An advantage of this element of uncertainty is that United should approach the subject of player departures with a lot less sentiment and should give careful consideration to any offer that comes in, given that it could help boost their own transfer funds.

That has already been demonstrated with