Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes are linked with exits. (Image: Getty)
The curtains closed on Manchester United’s miserable Premier League campaign at Brighton and Hove Albion yesterday, days after multiple players will have bid farewell to Old Trafford. A week of hard work remains, with a second successive FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium to come on Saturday.
However, several players set to feature at the weekend will have been involved in a Premier League squad for United one last time on the sunny south coast.
INEOS are reportedly planning a ruthless clear-out in the first transfer window since Sir Jim Ratcliffe inherited control over football operations in February.
Only a select handful of stars are said to be not for sale, leaving several futures in serious doubt following one of United’s worst-ever seasons.
At least nine names could have featured in a league squad for the final time against Brighton, including four starters.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka is due to enter the final 12 months of his contract this summer, with little movement in contract talks indicating United are ready to cash in.
Casemiro continued covering at centre-back alongside Lisandro Martinez, but he is one of the most likely departures amid strong interest from Saudi Arabia.
Marcus Rashford was on the bench again. (Image: Getty)
In midfield, Sofyan Amrabat’s late-season renaissance continued at the Amex Stadium but United aren’t expected to make his loan move permanent, returning him to Fiorentina.
Meanwhile, transfer speculation surrounds captain Bruno Fernandes, who is reportedly set for crunch talks with the club before jetting off to Euro 2024 with Portugal.
On the bench, Altay Bayindir has made just one appearance after joining United from Fenerbahce last summer and could look to leave, with Andre Onana an immovable object between the sticks.
Raphael Varane has already confirmed he is leaving Old Trafford when his contract expires in June. Jonny Evans’ deal is also up.
Christian Eriksen is another player entering the final year of his contract and has publicly admitted his disappointment with his game time this season. It would be a surprise if he stayed.
And finally, questions remain over Marcus Rashford’s future following a poor season on and off the pitch. He hasn’t yet reclaimed a starting spot after returning from injury earlier this month.
His absence from the FA Cup final team would be notable and stir the pot further. However, the 26-year-old is ultimately expected to stay put.
Victor Lindelof and Anthony Martial returned to training last week but were absent at Brighton. They will likely travel to Wembley, where they may be among the players waving goodbye.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1901080/Man-Utd-news-Premier-League-Brighton