Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof is reported to be looking into a move away from the club this summer, with the centre-back considering a transfer back to former side Benfica.
United exited the FA Cup on Sunday after losing a penalty shootout against Fulham at Old Trafford, and their elimination compounded a miserable domestic campaign.
The Red Devils are 14th in the Premier League with just 33 points after 27 matchweeks, and their only chance of securing European football now rests on them winning the Europa League.
Head coach Ruben Amorim continues to face criticism for his side’s form, though wing-back Patrick Dorgu is his only signing, and the Portuguese has not had the chance to mould the squad in his own image.
Amorim is reportedly considering a clear out of his team and his job may be made easier given the Daily Mail claim that Lindelof wants to end his time at Old Trafford, with a move back to his former club Benfica mooted.
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How many other stars need to leave?
Lindelof has only featured in six Premier League games this season – starting none – and his exit is unlikely to make much of an impact on the first team’s performances.
The defender is one of several players that could find themselves leaving the Red Devils, with the likes of Casemiro seen as one candidate to depart in midfield.
Midfielder Christian Eriksen is set to be a free agent at the end of the season and considering he is 33 years old, it would be surprising if his contract was renewed.
Elsewhere, forwards Marcus Rashford and Antony were sent out on loan in the January transfer window to Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively, and the duo may leave on permanent deals this summer.
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A sell-to-buy policy from Ratcliffe?
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has drastically cut operating costs at United in a bid to control the club’s spiralling financial crisis, and their issues off the pitch may mean that Amorim is unable to sign some of his top targets.
However, the sale of winger Alejandro Garnacho would help the Portuguese boss significantly in the market given the forward’s status as a homegrown player means any transfer would better allow the club to comply with financial rules.
Rashford also classifies as a home grown player, but it remains to be seen if fans would accept the departure of someone like Kobbie Mainoo, who is seen as one of club’s brightest prospects.
Amorim will almost certainly need to find ways of raising funds in order to begin an overhaul of his squad, but doing so may prove to be highly unpopular.
