Erik ten Hag is preparing to wield the axe in a dramatic summer clear-out at Manchester United, with a significant portion of the first-team squad being made available for transfer.
The Dutch manager, who is set to remain at the helm after a season review, is determined to reshape his underperforming squad. The club's hierarchy is fully backing his ruthless approach to offload players who have failed to meet expectations.
Who's on the Chopping Block?
The so-called 'bomb squad' list is extensive and includes some of the club's highest-profile and most expensive signings. The players deemed surplus to requirements are:
- Jadon Sancho: His public fallout with Ten Hag appears to be beyond repair after a disappointing loan spell at Borussia Dortmund.
- Antony: The £85 million Brazilian winger has failed to justify his enormous price tag and could be moved on.
- Casemiro: The experienced midfielder is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League after a sharp decline in form this season.
- Christian Eriksen: The Danish playmaker has fallen down the pecking order and is expected to seek more regular football.
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Despite being a solid defender, his limitations in attack have placed him on the transfer list.
- Victor Lindelöf: The Swedish defender could be sold as United look to refresh their central defensive options.
- Donny van de Beek: A permanent exit is inevitable after his failed loan at Eintracht Frankfurt.
- Hannibal Mejbri: The young midfielder is among several academy products who may be sold to raise funds.
The Financial Imperative
This mass exodus is not just a footballing decision but a financial necessity. United's ability to spend in the summer transfer window is heavily constrained by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Generating significant funds through player sales is crucial to finance incoming transfers and avoid potential points deductions.
The club aims to raise a substantial war chest to allow Ten Hag to target his preferred reinforcements, with a new central defender, midfielder, and striker understood to be top priorities.
A New Era Under INEOS
This transfer strategy marks the first major window of the INEOS era, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team fully endorsing a hardline approach to reshape the squad. The focus is shifting towards recruiting young, hungry talent with high resale value, moving away from the policy of signing aging stars on massive wages that has plagued the club in recent years.
For several players on the list, this summer represents a final chance for United to recoup some of their initial investment. For Ten Hag, it is a pivotal moment to stamp his authority on the squad and build a team capable of challenging for top honours once again.
