£87m Manchester United outcast now attracting interest from Saudi Arabia

The echoes of a truly catastrophic 2024/25 season still reverberate around Old Trafford. A dismal 15th-place Premier League finish, coupled with the heartbreaking Europa League final defeat to Tottenham, plunged Manchester United into an unprecedented crisis. The subsequent inability to qualify for any European competition in 2025/26 only amplified the questions surrounding the club’s direction and future. Amidst this turmoil, one particular narrative stands out: that of the £87 million man, a player once heralded as a cornerstone, now firmly on the periphery, whose potential departure highlights the depth of United's problems.

This significant investment, made just a few seasons prior, was meant to signal a new era of dominance. Instead, the player found himself increasingly sidelined. Whether due to persistent injury struggles, a failure to adapt to multiple managerial philosophies, or simply a disconnect with the demands of Premier League football, his contributions dwindled. His presence on the wage bill became a heavy burden, a stark reminder of United's often profligate and unsuccessful transfer dealings. His situation became emblematic of the wider squad malaise – high individual quality failing to coalesce into a cohesive, winning unit. The stands, once buzzing with anticipation for his performances, now barely registered his rare appearances, making his status as an expensive outcast painfully clear.