Manchester United have made a key change with contracts to put players on trial

"Intention and reality are two different things," an industry source who deals with Manchester United said. "They won't let too many go."

United's record in the seller's market has been appalling since they gave David Beckham away for "peanuts", as Real Madrid's director of marketing Jose Angel Sanchez gleefully crowed. Welcoming all bidders to their market stall is an essential strategy shift to generate income.

Last summer, United gave away youngsters for peanuts as the profitability and sustainability rules dawned on them. Jason Wilcox milked the Manchester City academy cash cow whereas United just put their players out to pasture.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe stressed the importance of United qualifying for the Champions League back in February and instead their Thursday evenings will be occupied with Europa commitments. The loss of Champions League revenue has put the squeeze on United, who have already been fined by Uefa for a minor breach of financial fair play rules.

EXCLUSIVE: United want three key signings with only four players not for sale

READ MORE: The similarities and differences between Ten Hag's United and Ferguson's team he likened them to

From a sporting perspective, it would send out the wrong message to safeguard the futures of innumerable players involved in what has hitherto been another sorry season. United have lacked a ruthless culture for upwards of a decade and restoring that will keep players on their toes.

Gary Neville pilloried Chelsea's eight-year contract strategy. Amortisation does not look too clever when you have demotivated and flaky footballers maintaining Chelsea's mid-table status, however much their cheerleaders harp on about the 'underlying stats' guff.

United are still reeling from the