Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Richard Fay

Manchester United release seven players

Manchester United have released their retained list ahead of the 2023/24 season, with seven players leaving the club upon the expiration of their contracts.

Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are the two headline names to be leaving United this summer, while a number of youth team players have also been let go.

United have added that "discussions remain open" with David De Gea over a potential new contract.

It was announced last month that Jones would not be having his contract renewed and would be free to leave the club after 12 years when his deal expires.

ALSO READ: Rodgers' comments about Sheikh Jassim should come as a warning

The 31-year-old has started two games in three years due to a knee problem. He did not train at all last season and was last visible in a session at Carrington on May 20. He has started 16 times since signing a new contract in February 2019 and was substituted at half-time in five of them.

Tuanzebe has not played for United since the Europa League final in 2021. The 25-year-old suffered another injury-plagued year in 2022 and has just finished a four-month loan with Stoke City in the Championship, where he played just five times.

Northern Ireland midfielder Ethan Galbraith has also left the club. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan with League Two side Salford and is already being linked with moves to the Championship.

Galbraith's only senior United appearance was against Astana in the Europa League group stage in November 2019. He is currently away on international duty with the senior Northern Ireland side.

United have decided to release defender Di'Shon Bernard after opting against triggering his clause so that the defender is free to sign with a new club permanently this summer.

Academy goalkeeper Eric Hanbury, forward Manni Norkett and midfielder Charlie Wellens are all leaving the club but will be supported by the aftercare programme as they search for new clubs.

United have triggered their option of an additional year in Ethan Laird's contract, but he could still be sold this summer after another mixed loan spell with Queens Park Rangers.

FA Youth Cup-winning captain Rhys Bennett has seen his contract extended, while academy forward Mateo Mejia has been offered a new deal. Under-21s player-coach Tom Huddlestone is expected to remain at the club after discussions over a new contract.

The club has also exercised the option of extending Nathan Bishop and Tom Heaton's contracts by an additional year.

Mason Greenwood is listed as a United player, but that does not give any indication to the outcome of their internal investigation.

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.