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“Southgate could get best out of Man Utd squad” | Football Digest
Manchester United are set for a busy first summer since Sir Jim Ratcliffe secured a 27.7 per cent stake in the club and INEOS inherited control of football operations. But amid looming Financial Fair Play restrictions, player sales will likely be necessary to fund significant spending in different areas.
Exits are expected, high-profile ones, too. There could be as many as 20 current United first-team players on the chopping block once the summer transfer window opens.
Not all of them will depart Old Trafford, but Express Sport looks at the players who INEOS could be ready to offload if a suitable offer arrives ahead of their first full season at the helm.
Goalkeepers
Altay Bayindir will have understood his assignment as United's back-up goalkeeper when he joined in a £4million deal from Fenerbahce last summer.
However, the Turkey international has made just one appearance, which was in the 4-2 FA Cup win at Newport County when Andre Onana was at the Africa Cup of Nations.
It has sparked speculation that he is looking for an exit route already ahead of the summer, which United wouldn't have much ground to block.
Erik ten Hag's third goalkeeper, Tom Heaton, is out of contract and is set to leave as a free agent.
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Defenders
Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans' contracts are also expiring at the end of June. Both centre-backs have played key roles this season, but neither are believed to be in active talks over an extension.
Alvaro Fernandez was recalled from his loan at Granada in January and sent to Benfica, who have a £7.7m obligation to buy the 20-year-old left-back if he starts 50 per cent of games.
Even if that clause isn't triggered, the Portuguese giants have a buy option of the same value, which will likely be activated.
Brandon Williams, on loan at Ipswich Town, is also expected to leave Old Trafford permanently, even if he doesn't stay at Portman Road.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof are all entering the final 12 months of their contracts, with little talk of extensions. None of first-choice and should be in the shop window.
Midfielders
Sofyan Amrabat's season-long loan, worth £8m, came with the option of making it permanent for £27m. It's safe to say that almost certainly won't be happening.
Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri are spending the second half of the season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt and Sevilla, respectively.
Both clubs have options to buy, and even if neither are triggered, Van de Beek and Hannibal will be up for sale. They are surplus to requirements after the emergence of Kobbie Mainoo. A loan could be preferred for the latter.
United were willing to sell Scott McTominay last summer but their £40m valuation wasn't met. The Red Devils will want a similar fee this year after his high-scoring season.
Casemiro only joined in a £70m deal two years ago, but United are set to listen to offers this summer following a staggering decline in his second campaign. There is known interest in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Christian Eriksen is entering the third and final year of his three-year contract at Old Trafford. He has admitted he's unhappy with his reduced role and is set to look for an exit.
United are also expected to undergo mass change in attack, starting with the departure of Anthony Martial after nine years in M16. The injury-stricken Frenchman's contract is up in June. It won't be renewed.
Jadon Sancho could join him after his return to Borussia Dortmund on loan ends. If Ten Hag stays put, the 23-year-old winger likely has no future at the club.
United are expected to look to cash in on Mason Greenwood once he returns from his loan at Getafe, rather than green-light a return. There is reportedly heavyweight interest from Spain and Italy.
Facundo Pellistri will be fourth in the right-wing pecking order once he returns from another loan in Spain at Granada. Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Amad Diallo are all at the top of Ten Hag's thinking.
If the Dutchman is sacked, though, Antony's future could become clouded by uncertainty. He has yet to repay the £86m splashed for his signature in 2022.
