Idealism is seldom reflected by realism in transfer windows, particularly at Man United, notoriously poor sellers.
When those of us fortunate to participate in the press game at Old Trafford entered the home dressing room last month, the names of the Manchester United players had already been removed.
Alvaro Fernandez had probably cleared his flat before his transfer to Benfica was made permanent and Monza-bound Omari Forson had one foot out of the door before the season had ended. Forson was not spotted at Wembley during the FA Cup final. Nor would reserve defenders Victor Lindelof or Aaron Wan-Bissaka, with 12 years of service between them. Christian Eriksen's value has crept up after a productive start to the European Championship but the 32-year-old is not going to be among the items listed at an auction.
The contemporary equivalent would be for United to cash in on Marcus Rashford , Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. The 32-year-old Casemiro cannot hold a candle to the Ince of 1994-95. A year later, Ferguson had no room for sentiment. Alan Smith had recovered from a horrific leg-break but was moved on to Newcastle. Giuseppe Rossi's three-year spell in Manchester ended and Kieran Richardson, an FA Youth Cup winner whose drawing once graced Ferguson's office wall, was moved on. Gabriel Heinze was a treacherous departee but had a close bond with Cristiano Ronaldo.
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