Manchester United could lose eight players for nothing in 2024 including £118million worth of talent
Manchester United are set to lose eight players for nothing next summer.
The Old Trafford club have been proactive in securing their stars to new contract since Erik ten Hag took charge last summer, with Marcus Rashford, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw all committing their futures.
Nevertheless, several first-teamers remain in the final year of their contracts. Indeed, at present United are set to lose eight players for free at the end of the current campaign.
While Ten Hag will be happy to see some of them depart as he continues his rebuild, others still have one-year options the club can trigger should they be needed.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka, signed from Crystal Palace in 2019 for £50million, has fought his way into Ten Hag’s plans, establishing himself as the club’s first-choice right-back after a difficult first season under the Dutchman.
He is one of several players who has an option of another 12 months in his contract.
French striker Anthony Martial is another who could depart for free next summer. The striker has struggled to reach his full potential during an injury-plagued eight-year spell at Old Trafford, and the club may be keen to cut ties.
Victor Lindelof is also in the final year of his United deal yet it would be a surprise if the club didn’t opt to trigger the option of a further year in the Sweden international’s contract.
The centre-back has proven to be a dependable stand-in to first-choice duo Raphael Varane or Lisandro Martinez.
Indeed, in the unlikely event Wan Bissaka, Martial and Lindelof are all allowed to leave United this summer, it would see United fail to make a return on a trio of players that cost a collective £118million in transfer fees.
Jonny Evans’s contract is also set to end next summer, with the player having signed a one-year deal this summer to provide extra defensive cover.
United's injury crisis, however, saw the Northern Ireland international feature and impress against Burnley. The club do not have the option to trigger a one-year extension in the 35-year-old’s deal.
Meanwhile, with options limited, Hannibal Mejbri has started two consecutive games for United, impressing in central midfield. His contract is set to expire this summer, however, United may choose to trigger the option of a one-year extension in light of the Tunisian international’s recent form.
Tom Heaton was said to be keen on a summer move to have guaranteed game-time in the twilight of his career.
While United would likely want to keep him as an experienced and home-grown third choice the player may be keen to depart for free next summer and face a new challenge.
Unlike the previous six names Sofyan Amrabat was signed on an initial loan for the season from Fiorentina for a £10million fee.
United hold the option to buy him permanently for a further £20million, but if the Morocco international fails to perform at the required standard he could leave Old Trafford upon the end of his loan.
Similarly, Sergio Reguilon arrived on loan on deadline day, however, United do not have the option to buy him in the deal.
The Spaniard has impressed in his early United appearances so the club may try to sign him when his loan ends first.