Manchester United have officially confirmed that three senior players - Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelöf, and Jonny Evans - will depart Old Trafford this summer upon the expiration of their contracts.
The club also announced the release of a number of academy players and confirmed that goalkeeper Tom Heaton, whose deal is set to run out this summer, has been offered a new contract.
Eriksen Bows Out on a High
Denmark international Christian Eriksen made a fitting farewell last month, calmly converting a penalty in United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the Premier League season.
That appearance marked the 108th and final outing in Red for the 33-year-old midfielder, who joined United on a free transfer in the summer of 2022 following a successful stint at fellow Premier League club Brentford.
Eriksen quickly introduced himself as a composed and creative presence in midfield under former boss Erik ten Hag, bringing invaluable experience and technical quality to United’s ranks.
Across his two seasons with the club, the Dane contributed a number of crucial goals and assists, playing a key role in United's 2023 Carabao Cup triumph.
Lindelof Ends an Eight-Year Stay
Victor Lindelof, United’s dependable Swedish centre-back, brings a long chapter at Old Trafford to a close.
The 30-year-old joined from Benfica in 2017 and went on to make 284 appearances across eight seasons, winning both the Carabao Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup in 2024.
Often praised for his calmness on the ball and positional intelligence, Lindelof formed numerous defensive partnerships during his time at the club and served as a steadying presence at the back through multiple managerial changes.
Evans Departs a United Veteran
Jonny Evans departs United as the most decorated of the trio. The Northern Ireland international enjoyed two separate spells at the club, first emerging from the academy under Sir Alex Ferguson, before returning in 2023 to provide experience and depth to the defensive unit.
The 37-year-old played an important role for United during the 2023–24 season, making starts in some key Premier League and FA Cup fixtures.
Over his two stints, Evans amassed more than 350 appearances for United, winning three Premier League titles, two League Cups, and the Champions League during the club’s dominant Ferguson era. His return was initially seen as a short-term solution but proved a smart move, with the defender delivering assured performances when called upon.
Heaton Offered New Deal
Goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also out of contract this summer, but the club have confirmed that the 39 year-old has been offered a new deal.
Heaton, a product of United’s academy, returned to Old Trafford in 2021 after spells with Cardiff City, Bristol City, Burnley, and Aston Villa.
Despite making only three first-team appearances since his return, Heaton remains a valued figure in the dressing room and is considered an important part of the goalkeeping unit.
United have described him as “a highly valued part of the goalkeeping group and wider squad."
Academy Departures Announced
In addition to the senior departures, United have announced the release of several academy players this summer. Hubert Graczyk, Jack Kingdon, Sam Murray, Tom Myles, James Nolan, and Tom Wooster will leave the club following the conclusion of their youth contracts.
The club have vowed that each player will be supported in finding new opportunities, with bespoke aftercare programmes in place to help facilitate smooth transitions to their next career steps.
With 10 departures now confirmed, today’s retained list announcement signals the start of what is expected to be a significant summer of transition at Old Trafford. The club are set to offload several first-team players as they aim to raise funds to support Rúben Amorim’s rebuild and recruit new signings better suited to his tactical vision.