Manchester United are expecting at least two defenders to depart in the coming weeks as they look to streamline their squad under Erik ten Hag.
The Red Devils confirmed their third signing of the summer on Wednesday morning, with Lisandro Martinez arriving from Ajax in a deal worth up to £55m. But, his addition has left something of a logjam at the heart of defence, with six players now available to play for Ten Hag in that position.
🔥 Feel the fire.
🔴 @LisandrMartinez is ready to bring the heat to United.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2022
Martinez is joined by Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane, all three of which were regular players last season, while Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are all also still on the books at Old Trafford.
United looking to offload
However, all of the latter three are free to depart this summer, according to reports, alongside several other defenders.
‘United are hoping to offload at least two of Bailly, Jones and Tuanzebe before the close of the window at the end of next month’, the Telegraph report.
Additionally, Brandon Williams is free to leave following a disappointing loan spell with Norwich last campaign, and the arrival of Tyrell Malacia earlier in the transfer window has also thrown Alex Telles’ Old Trafford future into doubt.
All told, then, should all those deemed surplus to requirements depart this summer, it would take the number of exits from Manchester United this summer to 14, while as of yet only 3 new faces have arrived.
A new forward remains on the cards, while their pursuit of Frenkie de Jong continues to drag on amid concern as to whether the Dutchman wants to leave the Camp Nou.
