Manchester United’s collapse against Coventry, followed by a narrow victory in the FA Cup final through penalties, highlighted the urgent need for a squad overhaul. Up to 12 players may depart from United this summer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his revamped football operations team work towards rejuvenating the struggling club.
Despite financial constraints due to fair play regulations, generating revenue from player transfers will offer resources to reconstruct the team, which is in dire need of significant improvements.
Each position within the squad is being carefully evaluated, with technical director Jason Wilcox spearheading the assessment, in anticipation of Dan Ashworth’s potential appointment from Newcastle as United’s new director of football.
United may consider parting ways with up to four players in their defense, namely Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire. However, it is worth noting that Maguire has proven his worth in the absence of his fellow teammates in the same position.
In the midfield, United will seek to offload Casemiro, who has not performed at the same level as his influential debut season, as well as Christian Eriksen. Additionally, Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal has been deemed a failure, and he will return to Fiorentina this summer.
On the wings, United is prepared to accept the financial loss on Antony, who was acquired for £85 million but has not lived up to expectations. Marcus Rashford, a promising home-grown talent, may also be sold if the right offer comes along, as he has struggled this season following his impressive 30-goal performance last year.
Jadon Sancho, who was loaned out to Borussia Dortmund after publicly questioning his coach’s authority and refusing to apologize, is also available for transfer. Furthermore, Anthony Martial, whose contract expires this summer, will likely leave Old Trafford after nine years of underachievement.
However, United intends to retain the core of their team, including Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, and Rasmus Hojlund. Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho, promising young defender Willie Kwambala, and Mason Mount, who has unfortunately spent much of his debut season in the treatment room, also have futures at the club.
Although United may be able to part ways with half of their squad this summer, it is not feasible to bring in an equal number of new players. Consequently, there will inevitably be some players who remain on the team by default. Ratcliffe has already emphasized the importance of patience to United fans, as he and his newly-formed football team work towards rectifying the aftermath of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.