Manchester United are set to trim their squad with over a dozen stars heading for the exit door this summer
(Image credit: Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United could see over half the players from their first-team depart this summer as part of Erik ten Hag's mass exodus.
The Dutchman has been ruthless since taking the reins at Old Trafford with big stars given little to no leeway when it comes to Ten Hag's standards. Club captain Harry Maguire was dropped after the two opening losses of the season and has failed to regain his place back regularly, before the infamous fallout between Cristiano Ronaldo and Ten Hag.
Last summer saw a huge clearout with exits for the likes of Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Paul Pogba – but that could be nothing compared to what Ten Hag has in store this time around.
Erik ten Hag is looking at further exits at United this summer (Image credit: Getty Images)
The Mail are reporting that as many as 13 players could depart Old Trafford with club captain Harry Maguire heading the list. Full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Alex Telles and Brandon Williams may all leave, too, along with midfielder Donny van de Beek, who worked with Ten Hag at Ajax.
Anthony Martial, who scored against Everton at the weekend, has an uncertain future, too, while Anthony Elanga is also up for sale. The Mail's report namechecks Eric Bailly to bring the tally up to eight, with another five players left unnamed.
Maguire's former defensive partner, Victor Lindelof, is up for sale according to Spanish outlet Fichajes, while goalkeeper David De Gea may be upgraded, with The Sun claiming Ilian Meslier of Leeds United could replace him. Marcel Sabitzer's loan spell won't be extended, either.
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Plenty of United stars are linked with exits this summer (Image credit: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
There remain rumours, too, over the long-term futures of Marcus Rashford – out of contract in 2024 – and Bruno Fernandes, who has come under criticism during Ten Hag's time at the club, though both are thought to be pivotal to the Red Devils.
United are said to be in the market for a centre-forward, a right-back, more centre-backs and midfield reinforcements.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
