Manchester United are heading towards one of the club’s biggest summers in years. The Red Devils still haven’t appointed a permanent manager, while plenty of business is expected to be completed in the transfer department.
That’s both in terms of incomings and outgoings, with a reported £150million war chest set to be handed to whoever takes the reins on a full-time basis. But to make room for new arrivals, United will first have to free up space in their squad, as well as on their wage bill.
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It’s being suggested that United aren’t prepared to cut any corners this summer, with two surprising names believed to be on the chopping block. One of those is Manuel Ugarte, who, granted, hasn’t impressed at the Red Devils since joining, but only put pen to paper on a deal worth an initial £42million two seasons ago.
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Erik ten Hag was the manager then, with Ruben Amorim and now Michael Carrick having failed to take to the Uruguayan midfielder. But perhaps more of a shock is the suggestion that Matthijs de Ligt is also expected to depart when the transfer window opens.
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Like Ugarte, De Ligt joined United during the summer of 2024, but in sharp contrast to his team-mate, the Dutchman has impressed when in the starting XI. The issue is that De Ligt hasn’t played at all this calendar year because of a back injury, with United keen to bring in a more reliable option.
It’s claimed INEOS are pushing to sign two midfield options in the off-season, with Adam Wharton, Aurelien Tchouameni and Mateus Fernandes having been mentioned as potential options. On top of the midfield reshuffle, United are also in the market for a new centre-back, with Micky Van de Ven, Murillo, and Castello Lukeba on the reported list of candidates.
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It could be influenced by whoever has the job full-time, with Carrick once again questioned if he’s the right person to be given it. Speaking ahead of the weekend clash with Sunderland, he said: “Clarity is important … We’ve finished strong, put ourselves in a good position and the situation of my role and what it looks like moving forward, I think it’s just the natural time. It was always spoken about towards the end of the season, if not the end of the season."