Manchester United are desperately trying to trim their squad through player sales but it is proving to be difficult.
Ahead of the summer transfer window, head coach Ruben Amorim warned players will have to leave. But with so many underperforming players on high wages, it hasn’t been quite so easy.
Ineos want to sell Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho this summer as a top priority, but all three players who were on loan last season are still on the books heading into 2025/26.
Then there is Alejandro Garnacho, who is actively lowering his value through his social media antics and silly comments.
Others, such as Tyrell Malacia, are simply attracting no interest which leaves United with little choice.
Tyrell Malacia in action for Manchester United in the Premier League.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Man United could terminate Tyrell Malacia’s contract
After his move to Chelsea collapsed, it was speculated that United could terminate Sancho’s deal, but at a staggering cost of around £31.6m, it simply didn’t make financial sense.
But for a player like Tyrell Malacia, who is on much lower wages and will likely want to head for the exit to get regular playing time, it could make sense.
Malacia is earning £75,000 per week at United after joining as Erik ten Hag’s first-ever signing back in 2022.
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United signed Malacia for £15m and the Dutch defender joined on a contract until 2026, meaning he is entering his final year at Old Trafford.
If United cannot find a willing buyer for Malacia by the end of the summer window, one option is to try and agree a mutual termination.
Malacia’s wages equate to just shy of £4m per year, which is around what will be required to agree a termination. But freeing up those wages and space in the squad could be crucial for United and Amorim.
Ruben Amorim made quick decision on Tyrell Malacia
Erik ten Hag defended his decision to sign Malacia but it is becoming blindingly clear that his time as a United player is up this summer.
Amorim gave Malacia a chance to impress, but the left-back was hooked off at half-time in every appearance made under the Portuguese coach.
In those few minutes, Amorim saw enough to decide that Malacia was not in his plans at Old Trafford.
READ MORE: Mapping out Man Utd’s entire 2025 transfer window with five key signings and seven big name exits
In fact, Amorim’s first signing at United was Patrick Dorgu, with the United boss requesting a new left wing-back within months of taking charge.
United were hopeful that PSV would permanently sign Malacia after including a buy option in his loan spell, but he was underwhelming in the Netherlands despite winning the Eredivisie title.