Erik ten Hag ‘ready to axe five Manchester United players this summer’
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is reportedly prepared to offload at least five players in a summer clearout.
The Red Devils are expected to sign a new high-profile striker, a central midfielder and potentially a centre-back ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
However, there are expected to be more players departing than arriving at Old Trafford this summer, with Ten Hag looking to offload several members of his Man United squad.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Harry Maguire, Anthony Martial, Brandon Williams, Alex Telles, and Eric Bailly will all be put on the transfer list.
Maguire remains Man United’s club captain, but he has lost his place in the side following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez last summer.
Having been restricted to just five Premier League starts this season, Maguire could look to move elsewhere in a bid to secure regular playing time.
Martial has scored six goals and provided two assists in 15 appearances this term, but injury problems have been a constant issue throughout the campaign.
The Frenchman is believed to be a favourite of Man United co-owner Joel Glazer, who has been keen to see if Martial can fulfil his potential at the club.
With the Glazers preparing to sell the club, the 20-time English champions may now decide to entertain offers for the 27-year-old.
Williams had made only one appearance this season, and he does not feature in Ten Hag’s plans, while Telles is also expected to leave when he returns from his loan spell with Sevilla.
Bailly is currently in the midst of a loan spell with Marseille, and he will join the French club on a permanent deal if he reaches a certain number of appearances to trigger an obligation to buy.
Even if the Ivory Coast international does return to Old Trafford in the summer, he will be placed on the transfer list.
Dean Henderson, who is currently on loan with Nottingham Forest, could also be heading towards the exit door, while there is uncertainty surrounding Jadon Sancho’s future amid reports that Ten Hag is growing frustrated with the winger.
Anthony Elanga and Facundo Pellistri are expected to be sent out on loan to gain crucial experience and playing time.
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