Manchester United ‘could sell FIVE first-team stars’ as part of summer exodus at Old Trafford… as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to clear out their squad ahead of his Red Devils rebuild
- United have had a disappointing campaign and are sixth in Premier League table
- Ratcliffe completed a minority takeover earlier this year and will lead the rebuild
- Have a day off, Pep! Guardiola’s lecture to Grealish on the Etihad pitch was unnecessary, says Ian Ladyman – It’s All Kicking Off
A number of big-name Manchester United players could be sold this summer, according to a report.
It has been another season of struggle for the Red Devils this term, having failed to build on their third-place finish last term in their second season under Erik ten Hag.
The side are sixth in the current league table, 11 points off of Aston Villa in fourth with Tottenham sandwiched in between, though they do have a game in hand – against Chelsea – on both teams.
The squad has come in for widespread criticism at times this campaign, with fans questioning the spending habits prior to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover earlier on this season.
As Ratcliffe gets underway with running the football side of things at the club, it is expected a number of players will be moved on, and, according to The Standard, there are five in particular that could be on the chopping block.
Manchester United could be set to sell five players in the summer transfer window on the back of a disappointing campaign
The likes of Casemiro (second left) and Raphael Varane (second right) could be moved on
United are also set to let go of academy graduate and current Getafe loanee Mason Greenwood
The futures of Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho appear to be all but decided already, with both players shipped out on loan this season.
It is reported that both could be sold in the summer as the Red Devils look to permanently be rid of the two wide players.
The club will also look to strengthen out wide, with the likes of Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise one target being considered in the summer, and any incoming may be facilitated by the exit of Antony.
The Brazilian has underwhelmed since his £85.5million move from Ajax two years ago, netting just two goals in 31 games this season with none coming in the Premier League.
He has found himself relegated to the bench in recent games, with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford preferred to him in the wide areas by Ten Hag.
Elsewhere, Raphael Varane, who has spoken of his concussion struggles this season, may be moved on, while fellow former Real Madrid star Casemiro could also be let go as the club hunt for a solution to their midfield problems.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking to improve his side’s fortunes having completed a minority takeover earlier this year
Jadon Sancho, who is also out on loan, could be sold on a permanent deal in the transfer window
£85.5million man Antony, meanwhile, could be moved on amid a nightmare spell at the club
Any money recruited from the sale of the five players would likely be invested straight back into the squad, with United reportedly looking to sign a forward, midfielder a left back and a centre back.
The Standard report United are interested in signing Nice defender Melvin Bard and are in contact with the 23-year-old as they look for extra cover for Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.
The defender already plays under Ratcliffe’s ownership, with the INEOS boss also owning the French side.
It is reported that the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Jean-Clair Todibo are also being monitored.
