Manchester United are gearing up for a major shake-up ahead of the summer transfer window, with as many as nine players potentially heading for the exit as part of a broader rebuild. The plan is to refresh the squad significantly, with a strong focus on revamping the midfield once outgoing deals are sorted.
The middle of the park has been highlighted as the area most in need of improvement. Casemiro is expected to move on when his contract runs out at the end of the campaign, closing the chapter on his two-year spell at Old Trafford. His departure would remove a key source of experience and defensive stability, making it essential for the club to bring in replacements capable of coping with the intensity of the Premier League.
There are also doubts surrounding Manuel Ugarte, who has yet to find consistent form since joining. United are reportedly willing to listen to offers for him as they look to freshen things up. If he leaves, the need for multiple midfield reinforcements will become even more pressing.
A number of other exits are on the cards as contracts expire and loan spells come to an end. Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia are both nearing the end of their current deals, and there are no clear signs of renewals. Their departures would help trim the squad and open up room for new arrivals.
Rasmus Højlund could also be on his way out permanently, with Napoli reportedly required to complete a £38 million deal if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League. The Italian side are close to meeting the points threshold needed to trigger that obligation.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford remains on loan at Barcelona. Although there is an option to make the move permanent, it is not compulsory, leaving the door open for either a full transfer or another temporary spell depending on the Spanish club’s finances and squad plans.
Changes could also happen between the posts. André Onana is currently on loan at Trabzonspor, who are said to be keen on keeping him. Altay Bayındır is another player attracting interest from clubs in Turkey, and if both goalkeepers depart, United will need to bring in reinforcements to maintain depth.
Joshua Zirkzee is also among those who could leave, with a return to Italy looking like a strong possibility. He has struggled to make a consistent impact, and the club are open to offers that would allow them to reinvest in their attack.
On the recruitment front, the club are already lining up potential additions. Elliot Anderson has emerged as a top target, though Nottingham Forest are expected to demand a hefty fee. Other midfield options being considered include Aurélien Tchouaméni, Carlos Baleba, and Sandro Tonali, each bringing a different profile to the role.
The club’s transfer plans extend beyond midfield, with a new left winger also on the agenda. Morgan Rogers and Yan Diomande have both been linked with moves, while further additions in attack and goal are expected if the anticipated departures go through.
Despite the scale of the rebuild, the defensive unit is not currently seen as a priority. Interim boss Michael Carrick is believed to be satisfied with his options at the back, especially with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents like Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro in the squad.
Carrick has made it clear that the final shape of the squad will depend on how things unfold in the coming months. With his position only temporary, the club are still assessing their managerial situation ahead of next season, a decision that could ultimately influence both recruitment strategy and the overall direction of the rebuild.
The scale of the planned overhaul underlines a clear shift in approach, as United aim to correct inconsistencies and build a more balanced, competitive side. A wave of departures would not only free up funds but also create the space needed to execute a more focused and effective transfer strategy in the summer.
