A Nkunku-Garnacho quasi-swap swap deal would, for example, generate more than enough short-term PSR leeway for United not to have to increase prices for fans mid-season. If the clubs are tapering their spending and increasing the burden on match-going fans because of cash flow, that is a separate matter. And for United, cash flow is real concern.

Christopher Nkunku is open to joining Manchester United as talks continue with Chelsea over an exchange deal involving Alejandro Garnacho. Both Chelsea and Napoli have expressed an interest in signing Garnacho before the end of the January transfer window but so far only the Serie A club have submitted an offer for the Argentina international,