Manchester United will attempt to make a vast summer refresh with a colossal squad exodus incoming.
That’s according to the Manchester Evening News, which reveals that Old Trafford may bid farewell to a double-figure list of players.
Some of United’s big figures are anticipated to hang up their boots at the close of this season, including Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton.
Evans, at 37, hasn’t started for United in four months and last took the pitch on December 18. Meanwhile, Heaton, who will turn 39 next month, has been sidelined since early February due to an unspecified injury.
The likes of Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are also expected to part ways with the club.
Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho might be sacrificed in hopes of acquiring a new goalscorer, with Casemiro also made available for a move.
Chelsea holds an obligation to buy Sancho for between £20 million and £25 million but may consider paying a penalty clause to swerve making his season-long loan permanent.
The Premier League’s profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) effectively assess the value of non-academy players, determining a player’s price based on the transfer fee allocated over the duration of their contract.
Casemiro joined Manchester United for £60 million on a four-year contract in 2022, leading the club to seek £15 million for his sale to avoid a loss under PSR.
Antony was acquired for £81.3 million during the same summer on a five-year deal, costing £32.52 million, while Sancho would stand at £14.58 million if United continues to hold onto him.
Man United might also be compelled to reduce their squad as they face the prospect of a season devoid of European football, given that the Champions League and Europa League formats require an additional eight matches.
The last time United embarked on a campaign without European competition in 2014-15, they played 44 games, suffering a staggering 4-0 defeat to MK Dons in the second round of the League Cup.
Already having played 46 matches this term, United is assured of at least 11 more.
In terms of goalkeepers, Altay Bayindir’s future remains uncertain. He may seek opportunities elsewhere to secure regular playing time, hoping to start for Turkey in the World Cup next year.
The Red Devils also missed out on Chelsea-bound Geovany Quenda, leaving them still searching for a new winger.
United could also bid farewell to Tyrell Malacia, currently on loan at PSV Eindhoven, who may secure a permanent transfer, while they might face challenges in offloading Luke Shaw, who hasn’t started for the club in 13 months, participating in only nine matches over the last 19 months.
The futures of promising youngsters Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho remain uncertain.
Despite not having signed a renewal, Mainoo’s current contract extends until 2028, and Garnacho faced a rejected £40 million bid from Napoli in January.
Garnacho has received consistent praise from Amorim for his adaptability, while Mainoo, despite spending nearly four months sidelined due to injuries, showcased his potential as a playmaker with a goal in the 2-0 Europa League victory over FCSB in January.
The Red Devils must also consider the long-term future of Joshua Zirkzee, who was initially signed as a support striker but is now thriving as a playmaker.
The fate of Rasmus Hojlund, too, remains to be determined.
One player significantly affected by injuries is Mason Mount, who has managed to play only 33 of a possible 98 matches for United.
Yet, he may find a second chance, as Amorim believes he could fit in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Senior sales might be complemented by homegrown departures, as Amorim has previously emphasized the need for United to enhance their efforts in selling their cultivated talents.
Last summer, United accrued £109.18 million, including add-ons, through player departures.
Since 2022, their most lucrative sales have predominantly involved academy products: Andreas Pereira, James Garner, Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson, Mason Greenwood, and Scott McTominay.
Man United’s next fixture is against Nottingham Forest on April 1, with kick-off at 7pm.
