HomeExclusives Fri 17 May 2024 21:00, UK

Everton's former chief Keith Wyness has insisted it could be a two-season process for Manchester United to sell some of their unwanted stars.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old - who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs - admitted he doesn't understand why Sir Jim Ratcliffe hasn't paid Newcastle United the compensation fee for Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth is currently on gardening leave with the Magpies after agreeing to join Man United in February as part of the restructuring of the club.

There are expected to be big changes in the Old Trafford dugout next season after Football Insider revealed earlier this month Erik ten Hag will be sacked following the Red Devils' disappointing campaign.

Reports have suggested club chiefs are also willing to sell the majority of the first-team players this summer as the new regime looks to overhaul the squad.

Man United could face difficulties selling players Wyness believes some Man United players will leave once the transfer window reopens, but he questioned who will be managing that process without Ashworth in the building.

He told Football Insider's Insider Track podcast: "They haven't got Dan Ashworth in position yet, so he's still on gardening leave and they haven't got their sporting director in there.

"I'm sure there are talks and things ongoing in the background that either don't involve him or he's doing things appropriately.

"You would think somebody would be needed at the top to steer that rebuilding process and be in position to do that. It would normally take a whole season before to plan this sort of big move.

"They have to decide on a new manager and get them to buy into what they're trying to do. They have to negotiate with the players and have to sell some of them.

"It's a lot of work to be done and I think it could be a two-season process from where they are at this moment.

"I think there will no doubt be some departures. But who will actually be dictating that and managing that process?

"I think they have to hurry up and that's why Sir Jim Ratcliffe should have paid the money that was required by Newcastle, got Ashworth in place and got on with the process.

"This is what's going to cost them a lot more money in the end, making bad decisions rather than paying up the compensation for Ashworth.

"I'm a little confused as to why they haven't done that."

In other news, Man United tell three more stars to find new clubs.