Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by PIERO CRUCIATTI / AFP via Getty Images
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Gary Lineker reacts to Bruno Fernandes' criticism of Michael Carrick and sees 'point' Man Utd ace was making
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Five reasons Antonio Conte isn’t the right fit for Man Utd
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Why Gary Lineker claims Cesc Fabregas would be 'mad' to leave Como to replace Michael Carrick at Man Utd
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Bournemouth make light work of Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan ahead of Man Utd clash
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Wayne Rooney urges Bruno Fernandes to reflect after slamming “selfish” Man Utd players
Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Photo by Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The 8 Manchester United players who should be top of the clearout list: Even Bruno Fernandes is not safe
Manchester United’s start to the season has shone a light on a squad in desperate need of a makeover.
Head coach Michael Carrick is unlikely to last much longer based on United’s recent form. Fans are also eager to see change at boardroom level.
But what about the players? Many of these stars have been here for multiple manager sackings now. A clearout is well overdue.
While many fans would be content to axe the whole squad right now, here is a look at 11 players who need to be top of the clearout list.
All the ones Dan said even Bruno at some point that's why we are lost. Who is to blame for the shambles that's another question
No point sacking Carrick? He wasn't given the a new Striker or Left Back, so getting a new manager, like Crazy Conte, is pointless if he is not supported in a similar way. Utd get players in January and get rid of others, Mount, Bruno, how Zirkzee is still here is farcical. Time with the new players may transform the second half of the season?
Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes has been a Manchester United hero during his time at the club. But for the past three months he has been sad to watch. The Portugal international appears to have given up.
The goals and assists have dried up, and he is only in the starting line-up based on reputation.
Any player is allowed a dip in form, but Fernandes’ interview after the Como defeat was unacceptable. He threw Michael Carrick under the bus by publicly criticising tactical instructions.
Players turning on the manager is unacceptable, whoever they are. Fernandes has had opportunities to leave United in the past and his loyalty has been welcome. But it could now be better for club and player to go their separate ways.
Luke Shaw
Manchester United just cannot carry on like this, with Luke Shaw‘s injury issues leaving us short on a regular basis.
The 2025/26 season was clearly an exception, where he started every league game. This was made possible by a lack of European football. Now with two games a week, Shaw predictably cannot hold up.
Shaw is United’s longest-serving player, and it’s time to cut ties.
Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez’s contract is expiring and there appears to be little appetite from the board to keep him beyond this season.
The Argentina international has given his all to the club over the past five seasons, but injuries have meant that he has come up short. His recent blast at United’s board makes his exit inevitable.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire landed a contract extension last season. But this season his performances have not justified his retention. He was quite clearly just kept around to save money on buying a new centre-back.
Maguire has been a good servant since joining United in 2019, but it is now time to move on. Martinez and Maguire’s exit will accelerate Leny Yoro’s development, and make the signing of new centre-backs more urgent.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee‘s consolation goal against Como was a reminder that he still exists, and perhaps it will prompt a few Italian clubs to submit an offer.
Zirkzee has been a poor fit ever since joining United in 2024, and he only stayed because Ineos did not want to invest in another striker. Enough. He needs to be replaced.
Marcus Rashford
What is Marcus Rashford still doing at Manchester United? The club has been trying to offload him since early 2025, without success. And this summer Ineos relented too easily, with Michael Carrick keen to keep him around.
Rashford’s contribution this season stands at 0 goals and 0 assists, and any hope of a glorious return has fallen embarrassingly flat. Last season he made clear that he did not actually want to return to United, and an exit is in everybody’s best interests.
Mason Mount
Mason Mount has been one of the worst signings in Manchester United history. Whether injured or ineffective, he has never shown the quality that prompted somebody at the club to decide he should wear the number seven shirt.
Noussair Mazraoui
Noussair Mazraoui has been Manchester United’s most disappointing player this season. Every time he is on the pitch, he seems to be involved in an error costing the team a goal. It’s time to thank him for his efforts and move on, and focus on bringing new full-backs to the club.