As noted by the Manchester Evening News, seasoned players Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are likely to retire after this season, while Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof could be released by the club. . Continue Reading
Additionally, the Red Devils are reportedly planning to sell Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho to generate funds for the acquisition of a new striker. Casemiro is also expected to be placed on the transfer list.
Chelsea, who agreed to buy Sancho for a fee of £20-25 million as part of his season-long loan deal, could opt to pay a penalty clause of £5 million to avoid making the transfer permanent.
This option raises questions about Sancho’s future at the London club.
Under the Premier League’s profitability and sustainability regulations (PSR), player valuations are calculated based on their transfer fees divided over the length of their contracts.
For instance, Casemiro—purchased for £60 million on a four-year contract in 2022—would need to be sold for £15 million to avoid a financial loss.
Similarly, Antony would cost £32.52 million under PSR rules, while Sancho’s valuation stands at £14.58 million if retained.
A lack of European football next season could also pressure United to trim their squad size.
Participation in competitions such as the Champions League or Europa League ensures a minimum of eight matches, but United may miss out, as they previously did in the 2014/15 season.
The future of goalkeeper Altay Bayindir remains uncertain, as he is reportedly seeking regular playing time to boost his chances of representing Turkey in next year’s World Cup.
Manager Ruben Amorim is also searching for a new goalkeeper and winger after missing out on Chelsea-bound Geovany Quenda.
Among other potential changes, Tyrell Malacia could transfer permanently to PSV Eindhoven, while Luke Shaw’s prospects at United appear dim due to limited playing time.
Evans, aged 37, last played for United in December, while Heaton, turning 39 soon, has been sidelined since February due to injury concerns.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has clarified that the club’s financial position does not necessitate player sales.
Nonetheless, uncertainty looms over Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Mainoo’s contract, which could extend until 2028, has yet to be renewed, while a £40 million bid for Garnacho from Napoli was rejected in January.
Amorim has praised Garnacho’s adaptability to his system and emphasized the need to enhance United’s track record of selling homegrown talent, which could complement senior departures.
Last summer, United earned an impressive £109.18 million through player sales, primarily academy graduates such as Andreas Pereira, James Garner, Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson, Mason Greenwood, and Scott McTominay.
In terms of performances, Joshua Zirkzee’s role remains unclear; initially signed as a backup striker, he is now partnering with Rasmus Hojlund as a playmaker.
Mason Mount, with limited appearances this season, could revive his career under Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation, giving him a new lease of life at the club.
Despite this, United’s Premier League goal difference of -3 reflects a slight dip from last season’s -1, underscoring the need for systemic changes heading into the next campaign.
