Man Utd 'plan summer clear-out' as future of 13 players uncertain

Manchester United look set for a major summer rebuild with reports suggesting as many as 13 players could be moved on.

United are expected to invest heavily in the playing squad ahead of next season, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanting to stamp his mark on the club. Ratcliffe's arrival as a minority shareholder became official earlier this week and work is already underway in planning for the summer.

Erik ten Hag will be given money to spend but in the era of strict profitability and sustainability enforcements, funds will not be infinite and so United will need to bring some in through player sales. ESPN reports that a huge chunk of the current first-team squad could be sold to fund those arrivals.

Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay remain potential exits despite both enjoying strong campaigns so far, with it still unclear how they would fit into Ten Hag's long-term plans. Both were up for sale last summer and United accepted a £30million bid from West Ham for the former.

Casemiro could also be sold amid concerns over his longevity, with the Brazilian turning 32 later this month and already showing signs of struggling with the pace of the Premier League. Christian Eriksen recently hit the 32 mark and has been on the periphery all season.

United activated 12-month extensions on the contracts of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof last month but it appears that was merely to protect value, with both named in the report. The club will also invite offers for current on-loan stars Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri and Brandon Williams.

All of the above will bring money into United, admittedly some more than others, but three current first-team members also look set to leave for free. Jonny Evans only signed a one-year deal last summer and turned 36 last month, while United opted against activating extensions for Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial.

The aforementioned sales are expected to fund a number of major signings in the summer, with United looking to strengthen across the pitch. Central defence will be a key area of focus, given only Lisandro Martinez is likely to be at Old Trafford beyond the summer, while central midfield will also be weakened by departures.

Ten Hag remains keen to bring in a more experienced striker, with an acknowledgement that 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund has been leaned on a little too much. The sale of Wan-Bissaka would also mean a new right-back is needed, while more depth out wide would be welcomed.