Manchester United could face a further shake-up beyond the manager's position, with as many as nine senior squad members potentially set to leave if Michael Carrick is dismissed. The club sit 18th in the Premier League after winning just one of their first 10 league matches, having conceded 15 goals in their previous five games across all competitions.
Sunday's chaotic 4-4 draw with Aston Villa, despite a late rally, appears to have been the breaking point for Carrick, with the club now preparing for his successor. While United compile a list of prospective managerial candidates, they may also need to determine which players could accompany him out the door.
Defensive departures on the cards
Harry Maguire's Manchester United tenure seems to be approaching its endpoint as he nears the closing months of his deal. The club hold an option to activate a 12-month extension, but his performances have been questionable for a considerable period. The former club captain turns 34 in March and has been responsible for numerous costly errors during United's recent defensive meltdown.
Lisandro Martinez has suffered a startling decline over the past 18 months, with ongoing fitness complications undermining his dependability. He remains under contract until 2027, with the club retaining a 12-month extension clause, but a fresh manager might decide the defender is no longer required.
Midfield and attack uncertainty
Mason Mount's United career has never truly taken off, with continual injury problems and disappointing displays relegating him behind Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the hierarchy. With his deal running until 2028, the next two transfer windows constitute United's last genuine chance to recover a reasonable proportion of their original £55 million outlay.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be linked with an Old Trafford departure, with his public tension with Carrick visibly damaging relationships with both the boardroom and certain supporter groups. Tied down until 2027 with a 12-month extension clause, United have a big decision to make over whether to extend his tenure or sanction a sale.
Marcus Rashford appeared certain to leave in the summer, only staying after a proposed switch to Barcelona fell through. Relations were essentially severed when he submitted a transfer request in December 2024, and his contract runs until 2028, making 2027 the ideal moment for United to secure any substantial transfer fee.
Joshua Zirkzee has consistently failed to persuade successive managers that he can spearhead United's attack, spending most of his spell on the substitutes' bench. The 25-year-old cannot endure another year as understudy within a malfunctioning team when he ought to be securing a regular starting position.
Academy prospects and veterans at risk
Kobbie Mainoo's career was revived under Carrick after being sidelined under Ruben Amorim, but any new manager could choose not to build the squad around the academy prospect. United officials demonstrated a willingness to consider bids for the England star last year.
Luke Shaw's 12-year spell at Old Trafford is nearing its conclusion as he enters the closing months of his existing deal, with persistent injury problems taking a significant toll. Allowing Shaw to leave on a free transfer next summer would free up considerable space on the wage bill.
Tom Heaton has proved an exemplary squad member throughout the past six seasons, but his deal expires at the end of the season with no extension clause available. Now that he has reached 40, the former England international is expected to hang up his boots or move into a full-time coaching role, making his departure a relatively straightforward call.
