Manchester United told one of two players must leave in order to sign Sofyan Amrabat

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre says Erik ten Hag must show the door to either Fred or Scott McTominay if he is to land Sofyan Amrabat.

The Manchester Evening News revealed last week that United are open to pursuing a deal for the Moroccan but only if funds allow. The Reds have agreed an initial £64m deal for Rasmus Hojlund, which would take their summer spend up to around £164m.

Ten Hag was given a budget of circa £120m although more than £20m has been raised through the sales of four players. A further £24m will need to be raised to balance the book amid Financial Fair Play concerns, and United are likely to comfortably exceed that.

Dean Henderson might be headed to Nottingham Forest for £30m while outcasts such as Eric Bailly and Brandon Williams are set to be sold. United are open to offers for Anthony Martial and Harry Maguire, despite rejecting a £20m bid from West Ham for the latter.

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Ten Hag is also considering the sale of McTominay and Fred for the right price. United are thought unlikely to offload both, especially amid a lengthy injury to Kobbie Mainoo.

However, West Ham have expressed an interest in McTominay and Fulham have Fred on their radar. It’s thought Fiorentina might be willing to accept around £30m for Amrabat, which could possibly be done without the sale of more midfielders.

However, Silvestre says not doing so would make the midfield cohort too crowded and mooted that a move for Amrabat would only happen if an exit for one player is facilitated, albeit isn’t totally convinced of the Fiorentina star regardless.

Speaking to GGRecon, he said: “Unless Scott [McTominay] or Fred leaves this summer, then there’s