Manchester United could let 13 players go this summer, with five of those set to be released including club stalwart Phil Jones and academy product Axel Tuanzebe.
As the season draws to a close, United are finalising their list of players who are set to leave the club as Erik ten Hag continues the overhaul he started when taking over last year. The Manchester Evening News reports that up to eight players could be sold as well as Jones and Tuanzebe, who are among those being released.
The English defenders were both thought to have potential as future United legends, with Jones told by Sir Alex Ferguson he could have been the club's "best ever player". Tuanzebe, meanwhile, was touted as a future club captain as he emerged from the cademy, but the 25-year-old has now not made a first team appearance since the 2020/21 season.
Their potential exits could mark a change in approach for ten Hag from his predecessors, with two players who were favoured by Ole Gunnar Solksjaer finally making their exits. Jones suffered another long-term injury this season, with a knee problem emerging on the first day of training under ten Hag last summer which ruled him out for the remainder of the campaign.
In terms of recouping transfer fees, there is the likelihood that there will be three first-team players who the club will listen to offers for. Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly both look to have no futures at United, with the latter returning from a loan deal with Marseille this summer and club captain Maguire having the potential to bring in a decent transfer fee as a regular England international.
In addition, there is also expected to be a willingness to discuss terms should there be interest in Aaron Wan-Bissaka, this is despite the improvements and regular playing-time seen from the right-back this season. However, there could be the chance to recoup the £50million spent on the former Crystal Palace man and reinvest it in the rest of the playing squad.
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The report also suggests that Anthony Elanga, Anthony Martial, Donny van de Beek, Brandon Williams and Alex Telles could all be pushed towards the door. All of these players have years remaining on their contracts and could bring in transfer fees which could be reinvested, with a new striker believed to be the priority this summer as well as retaining Marcus Rashford.
Tom Heaton could also depart, with the England international's contract expiring this summer, although the club have the option of an extension for the three-times capped goalkeeper. The former Burnley and Aston Villa man made two appearances in the Carabao Cup earlier this season and could be asked to stay.
Among the club's U21 ranks, Northern Ireland international Ethan Galbraith has been informed that he will be let go, with Ondrej Mastny and Charlie Wellens also being told the same. Meanwhile, 23-year-old goalkeeper Nathan Bishop will also leave having had a loan move blocked earlier in the season due to the club's lack of depth between the sticks.
