Manchester United spent the January transfer window working on outgoings more than arrivals, but now the focus must shift onto three different negotiations.
The January transfer deadline has passed and Manchester United ended the window without any new major arrivals.
Ineos decided to remain patient and wait until the summer before investing in the first team, with plans to overhaul the midfield.
Should Harry Maguire get a contract extension beyond the 2025/26 season?
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The recruitment team has already identified Elliot Anderson as a top target for the summer, and groundwork can now begin on trying to lure the 23-year-old to Old Trafford.
In the meantime, there are three glaring contract situations that need to be addressed.
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Man United must start work on three contracts
Now that the transfer window has closed, there are only four months remaining of the season and that means player contracts are ticking down.
Casemiro has already confirmed his exit when his contract expires in the summer, so United cannot afford to lose any more veteran players.
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With that in mind, United must begin talks with captain Bruno Fernandes over a new deal. Fernandes rejected a move to Saudi Arabia in the summer in a true show of loyalty.
We are calling it now… Bruno Fernandes should win Premier League Player of the Season 2025/26
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Fernandes’ current deal expires in 2027, so his transfer value is constantly on the decline unless United act quickly and offer him fresh terms. Considering his importance to the club on and off the pitch, he is one of the few players who justify breaking the wage structure.
There have been reports that Kobbie Mainoo’s contract talks have resumed ever since Ruben Amorim was sacked, and Ineos must make it a priority to tie him to a new, improved deal.
The 20-year-old has made an impactful return to the starting XI and is easily one of United’s most promising young stars.
Finally, it is important for United to resolve Harry Maguire’s future. As things stand, the English defender will leave Old Trafford at the end of the season as a free agent.
United fans want Maguire to get a new deal, and it is important to keep good role models and leaders within the squad, especially as Maguire is still a regular starter.
All Man United players with expiring contracts in 2026
Maguire is not the only United player who is currently set to leave as a free agent at the end of the season.
Jadon Sancho is on loan at Aston Villa, and it seems incredibly unlikely that he will ever return to Carrington as his deal expires in the summer.
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Tyrell Malacia was reportedly denied a deadline day exit this month, but the Dutch defender will have his options open at the end of the season when his deal runs its course.
Finally, veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also coming to the end of his deal in the summer.
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