mason mount (Image: (Mark Cosgrove/News Image/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
It has been a massive transformation campaign for Manchester United, and the summer looks destined to bring further changes. Michael Carrick did more than just steady the ship after replacing the struggling Ruben Amorim in January and leading the club to third place in the Premier League. Carrick is set to remain in charge of the club, and once United’s campaign ends on Sunday against Brighton, attention will turn to arrivals and departures.
United boosted their transfer funds by selling Rasmus Højlund to Napoli, Barcelona face a key choice regarding on-loan Marcus Rashford, while Andre Onana could complete a permanent move to Trabzonspor, where he is currently plying his trade. However, United have five more star players who could bid farewell this Sunday. Express Sport takes a closer look at them…
Manuel Ugarte has struggled to find form during his time at United. (Image: Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos government intended to give newcomers two campaigns to prove their worth. Ugarte is nearing the end of his second year at the club, but the Uruguayan has not been able to make his case.
United paid £50.5m to sign Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024. The deep-rooted midfielder was expected to inject grit and steel into the club’s midfield after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most promising defensive midfielders during his breakout spell at Sporting CP.
However, Carrick has shown no preference for the 25-year-old, and Ugarte has not played a single minute since the game against Leeds in April and is seen as likely to leave.
It remains to be seen whether Bindil will try to revive his career elsewhere or endure another season on the bench at Old Trafford. The Turkish goalkeeper is likely to leave, which would give him more playing opportunities.
Onana’s resignation early last season was reportedly more of a reflection of Onana’s struggles. After making a crucial mistake in the opening game against Arsenal, which proved difficult to recover from, the arrival of Senne Ramens effectively sealed Bindil’s fate at United.
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A look back at Joshua Zirkzee’s Manchester United career (Image: Getty Images)
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The Dutch forward is emblematic of United’s years in the wilderness, having arrived at a time when the club was in turmoil both on and off the pitch. Almost two years after his £36m move from Bologna, it remains unclear what his best position is.
The 24-year-old is finding it difficult to play a wider and deeper role than a traditional number nine. Just nine goals in 74 league games shows why Carrick doesn’t value him.
When given the opportunity, as Carrick did at Sunderland earlier this month, Zirkzee has done little to suggest he has a future at the club, and a summer departure would probably be in everyone’s best interest.
It has been previously reported that a midfield overhaul is United’s top priority this summer, with Adam Wharton, Elliott Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Aurelien Choameni all being touted as potential targets.
Mount is nearing the end of his third season at Old Trafford, and it would be an understatement to say that this move has fallen well short of expectations. The former Chelsea player is struggling to justify his reputation and could be sacked to raise funds.
The 27-year-old is under contract with United until the summer of 2028, but has made just 24 appearances in all competitions this season. Club legend Gary Neville had doubts about the £53m deal from the start and even hinted he could be sold this summer.
The decision may be controversial, but under Carrick United are hoping to move away from using a back three and instead focus on Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the defence.
The Dutch defender has been sidelined for five months through injury and has spent much of the season on the treatment table, but his reliability has led United to consider their options on the market. De Ligt is currently working towards his return from long-term absence, but United are still only 26 years old and could potentially pay a hefty fee for the centre-back, who was set to arrive in August 2024 for around £43m.
