Manchester United have confirmed the release of nine players as part of a major squad overhaul following a disappointing 2024-25 season, which saw the club finish 16th in the Premier League and miss out on European football.
The decision comes as new manager Ruben Amorim seeks to rebuild the team to align with his tactical vision.
The club announced that Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof, Jonny Evans, Hubert Graczyk, Jack Kingdon, Sam Murray, Tom Myles, James Nolan, and Tom Wooster will depart when their contracts expire this summer.
Additionally, talks are ongoing with veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton for a potential contract extension for the 2025-26 season.
The move follows a season marked by inconsistency and underperformance, with United suffering a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final, costing them a Champions League spot and an estimated £100 million in revenue.
Sources indicate that the club’s hierarchy, led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, is prioritising financial sustainability and compliance with Premier League profitability rules, necessitating significant player sales.
“These decisions are tough but necessary to reset the squad and build for the future,” a club spokesperson said.
“We thank the departing players for their contributions and wish them well in their next chapters.”
The released players include first-team veterans Eriksen, Lindelof, and Evans, alongside several academy prospects. Eriksen, a key midfielder since joining in 2022, struggled for consistent minutes under Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, while Lindelof and Evans, both defenders, faced challenges with injuries and form.
The departure of the academy players reflects United’s shift toward nurturing younger talents like Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who remain central to the club’s plans.
Fans expressed mixed feelings about the departures but acknowledged the need for change after a “brutally shite” league campaign.
Amorim, whose job security has been questioned, is reportedly backed by the board to oversee the rebuild, with potential signings like Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha on the radar, pending funds from further sales.
The club’s focus now turns to the summer transfer window, where they aim to address squad deficiencies while navigating financial constraints.
