Manchester United will end the poor 2023-24 Premier League season with a trip to Brighton's The Amex. Erik ten Hag's team's goal is certainly to win to ensure their place in the European Cup next season with 7th place. Not only that, the "Red Devils" need to win by at least 3 goals against Brighton to avoid ending the season with a negative goal difference for the first time, since the 1989-1990 season.
A turbulent and changing summer at Man Utd is about to take place, so which names will Sir Jim Ratcliffe decide to keep and sell?
With an early elimination from the Champions League group stage and a poor performance at the end of the season, Erik ten Hag's hot seat is the first position to be considered for replacement. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team will carefully consider the Dutch strategist's future, depending on Man United's position in the Premier League 2023-2024 and the result of the FA Cup final.
One of the reasons for Man Utd's failed season came from a serious personnel crisis in the team's defense. According to statistics, after 37 rounds, Erik ten Hag has used 15 different central defender pairs, more than any other team in the Premier League. Therefore, it is not ruled out that MU will have a strong personnel reform in the defense after the 2023-2024 season.
In addition to Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans will be the next name to leave the Old Trafford team after his contract expires. From a short-term pre-season deal, the 36-year-old centre-back has become an effective backup option in the context of Man Utd's personnel crisis. In addition, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will also be offered for sale in the transfer market, when their contracts expire in 2025 - a high possibility of having to leave or accept a salary reduction.
Names who are often absent due to injury such as Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw are likely to continue to be given opportunities. Diogo Dalot is the only case with a chance to stay after a failed season of Man United's defense.
In midfield, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat are the 3 names on the list to leave Old Trafford. While age is part of the reason why Casemiro and Eriksen did not perform as expected, Amrabat still seems to have not been able to match the tactical system.
Scott McTominay and Mason Mount are likely to continue to be trusted. Although he is not a regular starter, McTominay is showing his scoring talent, bringing home 12 points after 7 goals this season. Mount, meanwhile, will be given more chances after spending his first season at M.U, much of which has been spent on injury treatment.
The case of Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo are two names that cannot be touched at Man United next season. According to statistics, the "Red Devils" are dependent on Bruno's creativity, as the midfielder's expected goals and assists (xG) account for 23.2% of the team. The Portuguese international has been a rare stable star in a difficult season for Man United with 15 goals and 11 assists after 45 appearances. Meanwhile, Mainoo has shown incredible maturity this season, gradually becoming an important factor in Ten Hag's formation.
Up front, Anthony Martial will leave the team after the end of this season. In addition, Marcus Rashford and Antony are also considered for a loan or a sale. Rashford is going through one of the most disappointing seasons of his career, having been continuously criticized for his attitude and form on the pitch. Similarly, Antony are also facing a season with a bottom-fishing performance. The Brazilian winger has only scored 1 goal after 37 rounds of the Premier League this season.
Although ready to open the door for partners to access their players, Man United still have their own ban areas, typically some young talents who are considered the future of the club. According to the Telegraph, in addition to Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund will not be able to play at Man United.
