United Prepare for Double-Digit Departures Ahead of Summer Overhaul | OneFootball

Major Rebuild on the Cards

Manchester United look set to undertake one of the most seismic squad overhauls in recent memory, with permanent exits potentially breaking into double digits. According to the Manchester Evening News, a sweeping clear-out is underway as Erik ten Hag’s side—now under the sporting direction of Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox—seeks not only to meet profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) but to restore a competitive edge dulled by inconsistency, injuries, and tactical confusion.

Veterans Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton are “likely to retire at the end of the season”, while Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof “are set to be released”. The club is also keen to move on from some of its more high-profile recent recruits, with Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho all up for sale to “reinvest in a new goalscorer”. The Sancho situation, particularly, is loaded with complexity. “Chelsea have an obligation to buy Sancho for between £20million and £25m but could pay a penalty clause not to make his season-long loan a permanent deal.”

Photo: IMAGO

This isn’t just about trimming deadwood—it’s about fundamentally altering the DNA of a team that has veered off course.

Financial Calculations Driving Transfer Strategy

United’s transfer decisions are now being tightly shaped by PSR regulations, which enforce strict accounting measures on non-academy players. These players’ values are amortised over the length of their contracts, meaning every sale—or lack thereof—has implications far beyond the fee itself.

“United signed Casemiro for £60m on a four-year contract in 2022, so the club would require £15m to sell him and avoid a loss under PSR.” Antony’s value currently stands at £32.52m, while Sancho would be priced at £14.58m in the books. Shifting these players without posting financial losses is a delicate operation—especially in a summer when continental competition may no longer cushion the blow.

Photo IMAGO

The possible absence from Europe adds to the stakes. “Participation in the Champions League or Europa League league stage guarantees at least eight matches.” And if United fail to qualify? The last time that happened—2014-15—they played just 44 games and were dumped out early from the League Cup.

Amorim’s Tactical Vision and Squad Frictions

Manager Ruben Amorim’s fingerprints are already evident. The Portuguese coach wants a new goalkeeper and could part ways with Altay Bayindir, “who could seek regular football to increase his chances of starting for Turkey at the World Cup next year.” His preference for a 3-4-2-1 system could rescue Mason Mount’s United career—“Amorim believes he could work well” within that structure—but also leaves lingering questions around players like Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who have not been prolific enough to calm nerves.

The rebuild won’t be easy. United missed out on Chelsea-bound Geovany Quenda and may sell Tyrell Malacia to PSV Eindhoven, while Luke Shaw—beset by injuries—has “not started for the club in 13 months and has lined up nine times in 19 months.” Amorim is expected to be active in the winger market, which has become a problem area.

Future of Youth Stars and United’s Selling Strategy

There is added uncertainty surrounding two prized academy talents. “United chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox” are fighting fires on multiple fronts, including the futures of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has said the club “won’t be selling players because of the state we are in financially,” but the growing interest in Garnacho—who drew a £40m bid from Napoli in January—suggests tough decisions may be coming.

Still, Amorim has been vocal in his praise for Garnacho and Mainoo. “Garnacho has been repeatedly praised by Amorim for adapting to his demands,” while Mainoo “showed promise as a playmaker” in the Europa League win over FCSB.

Selling academy graduates may also help with PSR. “United raked in £109.18m, including add-ons, for departures last summer,” most of which came from homegrown talent such as Anthony Elanga and Dean Henderson. Amorim has “stressed United have to improve selling youngsters that the club has developed.”

United’s current Premier League goal difference is -3, an indictment of inconsistency at both ends of the pitch. With Hojlund and Zirkzee combining for just 14 goals, the need for a reliable frontman has never been greater.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This report doesn’t read like a summer refresh—it reads like an emergency evacuation plan. The sheer number of players on the chopping block, including big names like Rashford, Sancho, and Casemiro, suggests a brutal course correction. There’s every chance that some of these players are being sacrificed not just to fund signings, but to comply with PSR and avoid major financial penalties.

The fear is not just missing out on Champions League football, it’s slipping into mid-table mediocrity again. If United are not in Europe next season, there’s less money, less pull in the transfer market, and far fewer games to keep players like Garnacho and Mainoo happy.

Also worrying is the inability to secure targets like Quenda, and the awkward scenarios around Malacia and Shaw. This squad has been mismanaged for years—too many big signings, too few leaders. If Amorim is to succeed, he’ll need full backing and patience from ownership.

And let’s be honest: selling your academy stars to balance the books doesn’t sit well with the ethos of Manchester United. If this report is accurate, the rebuild isn’t just about personnel. It’s about saving the club’s identity.