How Manchester United must overhaul squad: Keep Raphael Varane; sell Casemiro; stuck with Antony

The Red Devils face a potentially defining first summer after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival at Old Trafford
Dom Smith13 March 2024

It looks set to be a big summer of change at Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to overhaul the playing squad at Old Trafford - but his first transfer budget will be severely squeezed by Financial Fair Play restrictions.

United’s £555million spend over the previous three summer windows leaves little financial wiggle room and missing out on the Champions League would further limit their spending power.

It remains to be seen whether Ratcliffe will keep faith with manager Erik ten Hag.

But United’s tight finances mean they will need to sell high-profile players to raise money to reinvest.

Here, Standard Sport assesses which players United should keep, offload or might be stuck with.

GOALKEEPERS

Andre Onana

Has delivered a mixed bag of performances since his £47.2m move last summer, but is excellent on his day and worth sticking with. KEEP

Altay Bayindir

Too early in his United career to be selling. Either keep as the back-up option or loan him out to a club that will give him game time next season. KEEP

Tom Heaton

Out of contract this summer, United must sign a reliable second-choice goalkeeper and let Heaton, who would then be 38, leave on a free. RELEASE

DEFENDERS

Victor Lindelof

Out of contract in 2025, the Swede has been consistent but unspectacular at United and they should cash in and replace him this summer. SELL

Harry Maguire

England centre-back has showed remarkable resolve during his time at United. Has shown his quality this season and has a role to play. KEEP

Lisandro Martinez

He may be injury-prone, but Martinez remains one of United’s best defenders. KEEP

Tyrell Malacia

Dutch left-back has not played a minute this season due to his serious knee injury yet showed last term that he can be an important figure. KEEP

Raphael Varane is a high earner and faces an uncertain future at Manchester United
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Has performed well for a gradually improving United team this season. Admittedly on high wages, but perhaps worth keeping around as an experienced centre-back. KEEP

Diogo Dalot

Has really pushed on in the last year or so, showing himself to be a well-balanced full-back. KEEP

Luke Shaw

One of Europe’s best left-backs when he is at the top of his game. KEEP

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Probably would not command enough of a transfer fee to make selling him worthwhile, and therefore United should keep him to compete with Dalot at right-back. KEEP

Jonny Evans

Has been on the pitch for 43 per cent of United’s Premier League games in a season in which he signed an emergency contract to play. If he can be convinced to stay, why not keep him for another year? KEEP

Brandon Williams

Has suffered from repeated illnesses and reoccurring injuries while on loan at Ipswich this season. Out of contract this summer, when it will be time to release him. RELEASE

MIDFIELDERS

Sofyan Amrabat

United have an option to make his loan from Fiorentina permanent for £17.1m plus add-ons. But he has not fulfilled his 2022 World Cup promise and should return to Italy. RELEASE

Mason Mount

Has had a testing first season at Old Trafford and struggled for form and fitness. A £60m signing, United would get considerably less if they sold him now. STUCK WITH

Bruno Fernandes

The most talented player at United is going nowhere. United must keep hold of him at all costs. KEEP

Christian Eriksen

Contract runs until 2025 but has looked off the pace this season. SELL

Amad Diallo

Has found it difficult to break into the team this season after a successful loan spell at Sunderland last term. Should be loaned out again. LOAN OUT

Manchester United might do well to sell Casemiro and refresh their midfield unit
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Has endured a difficult campaign and getting his wages of around £350,000-a-week off the books would be a major financial boost. The midfield badly needs a refresh. SELL

Kobbie Mainoo

The 18-year-old is the most exciting player to graduate through Carrington in years. KEEP

Scott McTominay

Has shown this season that he can add goals to his game. Underrated and underappreciated. KEEP

Facundo Pellistri

A talented wide player on loan at Granada since January, has shown in fits and starts that he can be an important player in the years to come. KEEP

Donny van de Beek

His time at United has been a nightmare. Eintracht Frankfurt have an option to buy in their loan deal. Whether or not through that avenue, United must cut their losses. SELL

Hannibal Mejbri

Like Pellistri, is another player out on loan who United chiefs hope has a bright future ahead of him. But Sevilla have an option to buy. KEEP (if Sevilla do not trigger option)

FORWARDS

Anthony Martial

Transfer-listed both last summer and in January, United have so far been unable to find a buyer. But with more time this summer, his exit may finally be nigh. SELL

Marcus Rashford

This has been an underwhelming season given his goalscoring record last term. But while he would count as pure profit if he were sold to a club like PSG, he remains one of United’s few proven match-winners. KEEP

Rasmus Hojlund

The job of a United striker is one of the most scrutinised in world football, but he is adapting well to life at Old Trafford. KEEP

Alejandro Garnacho

One of the most capable attacking players in the squad. KEEP

Manchester United look to be stuck with disappointing £86.3m signing Antony
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One-footed and one-paced, his £86.3m move from Ajax has to go down as one of Ten Hag’s biggest failures as manager. But United may struggle to find anyone willing to cough up for him. STUCK WITH

Jadon Sancho

Recently scored his first goal in over a year on loan back at Borussia Dortmund. United could pocket a pretty penny if they sold him, and his falling out with Ten Hag suggests an uncertain future. SELL

Mason Greenwood

Has spent the season on loan at Getafe and been strongly linked with a £40m permanent move to LaLiga this summer. SELL

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