Who Will Leave Man United in 2024?
Manchester United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, faces some crucial decisions regarding his squad in the coming months. After an incomplete summer clearout, the Dutchman is likely to be more aggressive in offloading players he no longer deems necessary. With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s expected arrival set to bring structural changes at Old Trafford, United could finally start behaving like a well-run football club again.
According to the Manchester Evening News, the list of potential departures at United in 2024 could be extensive, possibly reaching double figures across both the winter and summer transfer windows. Several players are approaching the end of their contracts, including Jonny Evans, whose short-term deal may not be renewed. Questions also hang over the futures of Brandon Williams and Álvaro Fernández, both currently out on loan, as the club decides whether to extend their contracts or part ways with them.
Meanwhile, Swedish defender Victor Lindelöf has indicated he expects a one-year contract extension. However, with ten Hag reportedly targeting a new centre-back, another defensive departure seems likely. Harry Maguire, who was heavily linked with an exit in the summer, has since found his way back into the team, but his future remains uncertain. Similarly, Raphaël Varane, a former Real Madrid star, is also rumoured to be on the list of potential departures.
In attack, Anthony Martial’s future is in serious doubt, with reports suggesting United may release the Frenchman instead of triggering a one-year extension. Martial, who has struggled for form and fitness, no longer appears to be playing like someone eager to reignite his career. Additionally, Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho are both expected to be transfer-listed in January. Van de Beek has barely featured this season, while Sancho remains banished from the first team following his well-publicised falling out with Ten Hag.
Is Varane Headed to Italy?
Raphaël Varane’s place at Manchester United has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. Erik ten Hag’s decision to favour Jonny Evans over the World Cup-winning centre-back has fuelled speculation that Varane could be on his way out in January. While moves to Bayern Munich and Saudi Arabia have been mentioned in the media, a new report suggests Italy may be the Frenchman’s preferred destination.
According to The Sun, Varane is more interested in a move to Serie A than a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League. The 30-year-old defender is reportedly considering his options as he navigates his uncertain future at Old Trafford. Varane has been left perplexed by Ten Hag’s decision to drop him from the starting line-up, and the prospect of a fresh start in Italy could be appealing.
Despite these rumours, Ten Hag is said to have no intention of allowing Varane to leave midway through the season. With United’s defence suffering from a series of injuries this campaign, it would be surprising if the club sanctioned the departure of such an experienced figure unless an exceptional offer was made. That said, should United secure a new centre-back, Varane’s future at the club could be further called into question.
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