Manchester United are reportedly planning to offload a host of players at the end of the season. Despite fresh investement from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club is set to be dealt a huge financial blow by missing out on the Champions League this season, with club bosses also wary of Premier League profit and sustainability rules.
And according to the Telegraph, United are willing to listen to offers for the majority of their squad, although aren’t planning to officially put any names on the transfer list. There are three players however, who are considered ‘strictly off-limits’ and will almost certainly remain at Old Trafford.
If Erik ten Hag does remain in charge for the 2024/25 season then Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund will almost certainly be available to him. The trio are considered key figures in United’s bid to challenge again at the top of the Premier League.
Hojlund arrived from Atalanta last summer in a £72million deal, and has shown flashes of the form that persuaded United to make their move. The 21-year-old has struck 14 times this season, despite the perception he’s been plagued by a lack of service.
Garnacho meanwhile, has been one of his side’s leading performers this season, but there has been speculation over his future after seemingly falling out with his manager. The Argentinian forward, 19, was subbed at half-time during this month’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, and later reacted on social media, liking a post that was vehemently critical of Ten Hag.
Mainoo too has proved a revelation in the middle of the park after breaking into the first-team. The 19-year-old is being tipped for a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 having been capped twice already at international level.
A number of other misfiring stars are likely to be vulnerable to any fire-sale though. Marcus Rashford continues to be linked with a move to PSG, although his wages could be a stumbling block for interested parties, after he signed a new five-year contract worth £325,000 a week last July.
Brazilian forward Antony is also a prime candidate to be sold, having struggled since his £80million move from Ajax in the summer of 2022. Anthony Martial meanwhile, is set to leave the club for free when his contract expires in June.
Raphael Varane is likely to depart in the same circumstances, while the future of Casemiro has also been questioned amid his form and fitness struggles this season. Ten Hag’s own position at the club also appears on the line, with Ratcliffe yet to publicly back the ex-Ajax boss since purchasing his minority stake in December.
