Manchester United may be forced into sanctioning exits of players ‘through gritted teeth’

Manchester United are gearing up for a first-ever transfer window under new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Wholesale changes are expected across the squad, similar to those that have already been overseen in the club’s hierarchy.

Manchester Evening News reports that the Red Devils may have to bid farewell to players ‘through gritted teeth’ in order to stay in compliance with the profit and sustainability rules.

Two players who are welcome to embark on new ventures elsewhere are defensive duo Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof, both of which had their one-year contract extensions activated by United in December 2023 in order to protect their resale value. Otherwise, they’d have left for nothing in June.

MEN adds that there is no rush to offload resurgent pair Harry Maguire and Scott McTominay, but they will mull over any potential offers that arrive. Last year, West Ham United for a £30 million bid rejected for the Scotsman and a £30m offer accepted for Maguire, although a deal failed to materialise when all parties couldn’t reach an agreement over wage compensation.

Elsewhere, loanees Donny van de Beek, Hannibal Mejbri and Mason Greenwood are expected to be sold permanently, with the latter valued at around £40 million. Young left-back Alvaro Fernandez, who has spent half the campaign on loan with Benfica, will have his €6m (£5.1) buy clause activated by the Portugal outfit.