Manchester United are willing to take a bold step in the next two transfer window, which could see several big-name players depart from the Old Trafford outfit.
The Red Devils parted ways with numerous players, including long-serving goalkeeper David de Gea, Fred, Anthony Elanga, and Dean Henderson during the last summer transfer window.
Ever since then, things have not been going according to plan for the 20-time Premier League champions.
Erik ten Hag and his men have suffered nine defeats in their opening 18 games in the 2023/2024 campaign, and the former Ajax boss looks set to rebuild his team over the next 12 months, starting by showing 10 or more players the exit.
According to reports, Ten Hag is keen to sign in a new center-back but may require to get rid of some present defenders.
Manchester United players who are on the chopping block are Tom Heaton and Jonny Evans, who are out of contract in June next year without the option of a new year extension.
Tom Heaton, a backup goalkeeper, and midfielder Hannibal Mejbri are the other players out of contract in 2024.
The Red Devils have the option to activate a 12-month extension to keep Hannibal, but there is no such clause in Heaton’s deal.
The future of Bradon Williams and Alvaro Fernandez, presently on loan at Ipswich Town and Girona respectively, are also in doubt.
Raphael Varane is another player who has been linked with a move away from Manchester United after failing to impress following an injury crisis, with Ten Hag choosing Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire over the former Real Madrid defender in recent weeks.
The Frenchman could be at risk of leaving Old Trafford this season as Saudi Arabia’s interest continues to loom.
Victor Lindelof’s current contract with Manchester United is set to expire in the summer of 2024, with an option to extend for an additional year, while Harry Maguire is still under contract until 2025.
At fullback, Aaron Wan-Bissaka is also attaining the final six months of his deal, with ongoing negotiations over a probable extension.
According to football insiders, more changes are expected in the midfield than were seen in the last summer transfer window.
Fred was the only experienced midfielder to depart, with Manchester United keeping Scott McTominay despite transfer interest from West Ham before Sofyan Amrabat joined on loan from Fiorentina.
The Red Devils have the option to make Amrabat move permanent at the end of the season, but the Moroccan International is yet to establish himself as a regular starter and may need to do more to convince supporters he is a long-term solution in the midfield.
Meanwhile, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are both in their thirties and their impact has decreased this season, which may persuade Manchester United to cash in on the experienced duo.
A conclusion needs to be made on Anthony Martial’s future as well, with the striker out of contract next June.
The Frenchman is in his ninth season at Manchester United but has fallen out of favour this season after the summer arrival of Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund.
He has been limited to fewer appearances off the bench in the opening months of the campaign and has found it difficult to score a Premier League goal since May.
This could mean that the former AS Monaco frontman is finally set for exit, having formerly gone out on loan to Sevilla last year.
What’s next for Manchester United?
Man United have scored just 13 goals in their 12 top-flight matches this season – fewer than 19th-placed Everton – indicating that Ten Hag will need to strengthen his front line sooner rather than later.
In addition, Ten Hag will be getting his players prepared for the Premier League games as they’ll lock horns against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday, November 26.
