Manchester United’s season has taken a turn for the worse after their humiliating Europa League exit against Sevilla, prompting manager Erik ten Hag to plan a major summer overhaul. As many as 12 first-team players could be shown the door, with Harry Maguire, David De Gea, and Anthony Martial among those likely to be offloaded.
Ten Hag and United Football Director John Murtough had already determined which players would be moved on prior to the 3-0 defeat in Sevilla. Both Maguire and Martial were on the exit list, but De Gea’s disastrous performance in Spain has cast doubt on the wisdom of extending his contract.
De Gea’s inability to play the ball out from the back with his feet, as evidenced in the Sevilla match, has convinced Ten Hag to seek a new goalkeeper. The manager is inspired by Manchester City and Liverpool’s transformation after acquiring Ederson and Alisson, respectively, and aims to make a similar impact signing for United.
Midfielders Fred and Scott McTominay are also facing an uncertain future, as Ten Hag aims to remove the dead wood from the squad he inherited last summer. Fringe players Anthony Elanga, Donny van de Beek, and Brandon Williams, as well as loanees Eric Bailly and Alex Telles, are also expected to depart.
Loan signings Wout Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer will return to their parent clubs, Burnley and Bayern Munich, at season’s end. Ten Hag’s primary focus this summer is to sign a new striker, with Tottenham’s Harry Kane and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen on his shortlist.