United could lose up to 13 players in the summer transfer window (Image: Getty)
Manchester United supporters are looking forward to the club’s activities in the summer transfer window, but departures could prove just as important in raising funds for squad cuts and potential additions. There is a good chance that the number of people leaving will reach double digits this summer. Several big names are expected to head for the club, including Casemiro, who will leave when his contract expires.
Casemiro remains the highest-paid man in the dressing room and his departure means there will be considerable space freed up in the wage budget. United are also keen on signing Marcus Rashford, who is currently on £300,000-a-week. Barcelona have an option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis at the end of the season for £26m (approximately €30m), but reports emerging from Spain suggest their enthusiasm for completing the deal is waning.
It remains possible that Barcelona are hiding their true intentions in negotiating a reduction in Rashford’s permanent contract, so it came as little surprise that Michael Carrick left the door ajar for a return to Manchester during a press conference last week.
When asked about Rashford, he said: “I think on certain things you have to make decisions in time and obviously Marcus is in that situation.
“But nothing has been decided at the moment. And I’m sure it will happen at some point, but I have nothing to say at this stage.”
Carrick could not rule out Rashford’s return, as doing so would damage United’s negotiating position this summer.
The Red Devils will not accept Barça’s low offer and will look for an alternative buyer if the Spanish giants are not willing to meet their asking price.
Like Rashford, Rasmus Hjølund and Jadon Sancho both spent the season on loan.
However, the terms of Haulund’s contract with Napoli stipulated that if his obligations were triggered subject to certain conditions, he would join the Italian club on a permanent transfer for 44 million euros (approximately 3.8 billion yen).
Hoylund’s move to Napoli is described as a ‘formal’, meaning his three-year spell at United is coming to an end. United will avoid defeat under the PSR regulations, which will come as some sort of consolation given the poor run at the club.
Aston Villa signed Sancho on loan on transfer deadline day, with manager Unai Emery agreeing to pay 80% of his wages. The deal also includes an achievable bonus, meaning he will effectively be on his full salary for the duration of his stay in Birmingham this season.
Although United have collected a loan fee, the deal contains no option or obligation to acquire Sancho permanently, meaning he will leave Old Trafford as a free agent this summer.
Sancho looked destined for greatness when he arrived from Borussia Dortmund for £72.8m in the summer of 2021, but his time in Manchester has been a deep disappointment.
Last summer, Tyrell Malasia was revealed to have been part of a bomb squad alongside Sancho. United tried to sell the Dutch defender, but he stayed on beyond the transfer window and came close to leaving again in January.
Barcelona are said to be at an impasse over signing Marcus Rashford permanently (Image: Getty)
Malasia was a capable reserve player until he suffered a knee injury at the end of his debut season in Manchester. He underwent two surgeries, missed more than 500 days of football, and was never able to return as the same player.
United have let Andre Onana go on a permanent transfer and will aim to recoup as much as possible of the £47.2m they spent to sign the goalkeeper from Inter Milan in the summer of 2023.
Radek Vitek will be given the opportunity to feature in pre-season after impressing during his loan spell at Bristol City, but the talented goalkeeper will be hoping to find consistency after appearing twice a week in the Championship.
Manager Senne Lamence has established himself as first choice, so United could be forced to reluctantly sanction a sale for Vitek if suitable terms can be agreed with a potential buyer.
It remains to be seen whether Altai Vaindir will change clubs after one more season as a benchwarmer. The Turkish goalkeeper is likely to leave, which would give him more playing opportunities.
Uncertainty surrounds Joshua Zirkzee, who was pondering his future before being told he would not be allowed to leave ahead of the winter transfer window. United consider Zirkzee a useful member of their squad, but the Dutchman has grown frustrated with his limited playing time.
Manuel Ugarte is in a similar situation to Zirksee, who started just eight league games. The INEOS regime intends to give new players two seasons to prove their worth, and Ugarte is nearing the end of his second season at the club. It’s safe to say he failed to make an impression.
Meanwhile, several Academy products are headed for the exit this summer. Tyler Fredrickson has one year left on his contract, but may look to leave permanently to start his professional career.
Toby Collier spent the first half of the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion before moving to Hull City in the second half. Collier had concrete interest in a permanent transfer last summer and is keen to secure regular first-team football.
Dan Gore’s contract expires this summer. Erik ten Hag made his senior debut for Goa in the Carabao Cup match against Crystal Palace in 2023, and later featured in the Premier League match against Aston Villa.
Goa featured as a substitute in many Champions League games, but United have sent him out on loan three times in the past two years, with mixed results due to injuries.
There is expected to be significant transfer activity at Old Trafford this summer, but departures could be just as important as arrivals.
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