Michael Carrick has already sanctioned the exits of Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Andre Onana so far. The Manchester United manager may consider more senior departures as he welcomes Youri Tielemans, Karl Darlow and Andrey Santos to Old Trafford.
Carrick's First Summer as Permanent Manager
Carrick was given the United job permanently in May and the list of released players was shared just a month later. The manager was given time to consider which stars he wanted to retain and so signed off on all exits.
Malacia, Sancho and Casemiro's contracts all expired this summer, with the latter confirming his choice in January. Meanwhile, Hojlund made his loan move to Napoli permanent after the Serie A side triggered his £38million release clause.
Onana also extended his loan stay at Trabzonspor for another season after helping the Super Lig side finish third and win the Turkish Cup. This means that, to date, Carrick has allowed five first-team players to depart and with three new senior signings confirmed, the club's revamp is truly picking up momentum.
Departures and Free Agents
After leaving United, Malacia has yet to find another club and remains part of the free-agent market. Celtic and Napoli were previously credited with interest. Sancho has been linked with a potential return to Borussia Dortmund after impressing on loan there from United in 2024. Casemiro looks likely to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after also holding talks with MLS side LA Galaxy.
With these five players off the wage bill, freeing up a massive £830,000, Carrick can focus on more arrivals that will boost the squad. Midfielder Andrey Santos was the first signing of the summer, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal worth an initial £48m.
New Signings and Transfer Targets
Next up was a bargain from Leeds in the form of goalkeeper Karl Darlow, who joined on a free transfer. The club added to their midfield ranks with former Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans, who joined for a fee of £35m. Winger Tynan Thompson has also been snapped up from Spurs and will likely split his time between the first team and the Under-21s.
But United are still interested in a number of stars to continue their rebuild, including Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The club were given an apparent boost in their pursuit of Scott this week, with the Manchester Evening News understanding that he is their top midfield priority. Scott has declined a new contract at Bournemouth, which has undoubtedly bolstered United's chances of landing him this summer. The Cherries expect the midfielder to remain at the club this year, but Carrick is still keen. It is understood that United would face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for the midfielder, but his decision to reject a new deal could mean he is interested in departing.
