Man United could have another major rebuild this summer transfer window.placeholder image
Man United could have another major rebuild this summer transfer window. | Getty Images
The players that Manchester United could sell this summer - according to the latest reports.
Manchester United look set to return to European competition next season and so the Red Devils could be faced with another major summer of transfer business as they look to level up their squad, be that under Michael Carrick or otherwise.
In order to facilitate summer expenditure, though, there will naturally need to be player sales. United have several players they reportedly hope to sell this summer – and others they will hope not to – and the Old Trafford careers of some big-name stars might see their natural conclusion at the end of the season.
Marcus Rashford among exiled quartet set to leave United this summer
Marcus Rashford headlines a quartet of big-name stars currently on loan away from Old Trafford, all of whom are expected not to have any future at the club with permanent exits anticipated this summer.
England international Rashford has enjoyed a productive season with Barcelona and the La Liga giants are keen to sign him permanently – with a €30million (£26m) option to buy included in his contract. The Catalan giants are not yet out of the woods when it comes to their financial issues and so they are reportedly trying to manoeuvre the deal so that they avoid paying the clause for another season. United are, understandably considering the low fee involved, standing firm. Though fears may emerge of a stand-off between the two clubs, the expectation remains that an agreement will be reached and Rashford will see his 21-year stretch on the books at United come to an end.
Elsewhere, Rasmus Højlund has been similarly effective on loan at Antonio Conte’s Napoli and is expected to complete a €46m (£38m) permanent move this summer, which will become an obligation if Napoli qualify for the Champions League. The Dane has struck 14 goals this season and is expected to join Scott McTominay and co. permanently either way.
There is less certainty surrounding the future of Jadon Sancho. Still just 25, the former England winger and United flop has flattered to deceive once again on loan at Aston Villa this term. The only thing which is for certain is that Sancho will no longer be a United player next season when his contract expires, meaning he will move on as a free agent. Potentially for a third spell at Borussia Dortmund, according to reports. Forgotten man Tyrell Malacia will also leave when his contract expires on June 30.
United are also keen to offload André Onana permanently when the goalkeeper returns from his loan spell at Trabzonspor. The Cameroon international reportedly wants to fight for his place at Old Trafford but the club are keen to get him off the wage bill. As per The Sun, the club require a fee of £18.88m to avoid registering Onana as a loss on the books.
United preparing to offload out-of-favour trio - and could Bruno Fernandes depart?
With the departures of exiled stars and the remnants of Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ out of the way, it will make interesting viewing to see which of United’s current first-team squad will be moved on this summer.
The first, and most pressing, question is regarding the future of Bruno Fernandes. Following his stunning form this season – he recently broke United’s club record for Premier League assists recorded in a campaign – the club surely intend to keep their captain at the club next season and for the foreseeable future.
Doubts do remain, though. There is reportedly a £57m release clause in Fernandes’ contract which will be available for clubs outside England to trigger this summer, and that could prove a major concern. The 31-year-old sees his current deal expire in 2027 with an option for a further year, and the club are expected to ‘do everything’ to keep hold of their talisman in the upcoming transfer window.
Casemiro is set to depart Old Trafford when his contract expires this summer. While some sections of the fanbase have called for the Brazilian to stay for another year, it appears the natural time for the 34-year-old to depart on a high note and a contract clause has reportedly been waived to ensure an automatic extension is not triggered, facilitating the veteran midfielder moving onto pastures new at the end of the season.
There are reportedly three more players for whom United are open to receiving transfer offers this summer, all of which were signed during the ill-fated Erik ten Hag era. Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee were signed for a combined £142m and the Red Devils would be lucky to recuperate half of that expenditure for the trio.
Zirkzee has been linked with a return to Serie A on multiple occasions, while Mount has reportedly attracted interest from the likes of Aston Villa and Fulham. He is keen to stay and fight for his place but might be forced out due to his frequent injury issues. Ugarte’s pathway appears unclear at present, but his lack of minutes at Old Trafford is unlikely to change anytime soon – and a summer clear-out for United might be necessary.
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