Manchester United have only made profit on four players they’ve bought in the past 10 years

The fact that Manchester United has only turned a profit on four players they have previously purchased in the last ten years may worry Erik ten Hag.Old Trafford has had a relatively quiet decade; on April 22nd, it will be ten years since Robin van Persie’s hat-trick that won the Premier League title.At least another year, if not more, will pass since the last time a United player scored a goal that won the league.

The team’s dreams of at least winning a cup treble this season were dashed on Thursday, when they were utterly abysmal in their Europa League loss to Sevilla.

That defeat, and especially the performances of certain players, will have had Ten Hag re-evaluating quite a few players’ future at Old Trafford.A striker is obviously top of the wanted list for the manager, with Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen and Rasmus Hojlund the names most frequently linked.But a right back, central midfielder, centre back and goalkeeper could also be on his list, and to get all of those he may need to sell before he buys.

Unfortunately for the Dutchman, United’s past 10 years haven’t just been blighted by being without a league trophy, but also when it comes to selling players.As per the Athletic, only Dan James, Daley Blind, Javier Hernandez and Chris Smalling have been sold for more money than United paid for them.

Of course, there are a number of former academy players in that time frame who have made a profit for the club, but not anyone who they’ve previously spent money on, outside of that four.

James was signed from Swansea City and underwhelmed before his move to Leeds United, who wanted him before he went to Old Trafford. He moved on loan to Fulham this season.The winger made his former club their highest profit, at £10 million, whilst Chris Smalling’s move to Roma earned them £8 million.Their final two profit margins don’t even bring the total to £20 million, with Javier Hernandez’s sale making £1 million and Daley Blind earning just £300,000.Ten Hag is reportedly ready to sell as many as 15 of his current squad, and he’ll be praying that the club are in a better position than previously to make money.