Manchester United prepare for major summer squad overhaul

Manchester United are set to make significant changes to their squad this summer, aiming for over 10 permanent departures as part of yet another major overhaul, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are expected to retire at the end of the season, while Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof are set to be released.

Meanwhile, United are looking to permanently offload Marcus Rashford, Antony, and Jadon Sancho to fund the signing of a new striker. Casemiro will also be placed on the transfer list.

Chelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for a fee between £20million and £25million, but they could opt to pay a penalty clause to avoid making his loan deal permanent.

The Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) dictate valuations for non-academy players, with transfer fees amortised over the length of their contracts.

For example, United signed Casemiro for £60million on a four-year deal in 2022, meaning they would need to sell him for at least £15million to avoid recording a loss under PSR.

Antony, who arrived for £81.3million on a five-year contract in the same summer, would need to be sold for at least £32.52million, while Sancho’s PSR valuation stands at £14.58million if United still retain him.

A lack of European football next season could also force United to trim their squad.

Champions League or Europa League qualification guarantees at least eight extra matches, but if United fail to secure a spot, they may look to streamline the squad.

The last time United missed out on European football, in the 2014-15 season, they played only 44 games after an early League Cup exit.

In contrast, this season they have already played 46 matches, with at least 11 more still to come.

Altay Bayındır’s Future Up in the Air

There is also uncertainty surrounding goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, who may seek regular football to boost his chances of starting for Turkey at the 2026 World Cup.

There is uncertainty surrounding goalkeeper Altay Bayindir

Manager Ruben Amorim is reportedly keen to sign a new goalkeeper.

United are also in the market for a winger after missing out on Chelsea-bound Geovany Quenda, while PSV Eindhoven have an option to sign left-back Tyrell Malacia permanently.

The club could also struggle to move Luke Shaw, who has not started a match in 13 months and has played just nine times in the last 19 months.

Evans, 37, has not started a game in four months, last featuring for United on December 18. Heaton, who turns 39 next month, has been sidelined with an unspecified injury since early February.

To generate funds, United could look to offload more homegrown talents, as Amorim has emphasized the need to improve on selling academy-developed players.

Last summer, the club brought in £109.18million from player sales, with their most profitable exits in recent years coming from academy graduates such as Andreas Pereira, James Garner, Anthony Elanga, Dean Henderson, Mason Greenwood, and Scott McTominay.