Exodus expected 

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Manchester United’s hopes of salvaging something from a disastrous season ended in defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Victory would’ve secured Champions League qualification and a third trophy in three years but United produced yet another abject display. Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag with the goal of transforming United’s fortunes but he’s overseen their worst season in modern history. The 20-time English top-flight title winners will record their lowest ever Premier League finish and could easily end up in 17th – just one place above the relegation zone.

After the Europa League final defeat, Amorim accepted responsibility for United’s plight and claimed he’d waive his compensation if Old Trafford chiefs decided he’s not the right man. But it’s understood that Amorim retains the support of United’s hierarchy and will oversee a clear-out this summer. Amorim’s spending power for the required rebuild will be limited by failing to qualify for the Champions League and money will need to be raised through player sales. Moreover, several United players are simply not good enough and we’ve analysed 14 first-team players facing uncertain futures this summer – out of contract players like Jonny Evans, Christian Erikesn and Victor Lindelof haven’t been included.

14 Manchester United players facing summer exit

It would seem unthinkable just one year ago that Kobbie Mainoo could leave Manchester United. The academy graduate endured a stunning breakthrough campaign and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final before staring at the Euros for England. Mainoo, however, has endured a season to forget and Amorim must take some responsibility for failing to utilise him properly. The 20-year-old only got a few minutes off the bench in the Europa League final and United could cash in as he represents pure profit in terms of PSR. Contract extension talks have also stalled with Mainoo but it would be a sad day if he left Old Trafford.

Manuel Ugarte only arrived in England last summer for €50 million from PSG but he’s been underwhelming. The Uruguay international was an INEOS signing and it caused friction with Erik ten Hag, who didn’t want to sell Scott McTominay to fund the sale. Amorim worked with Ugarte at Sporting CP but he was an unused sub in the final, which was telling. It’s unlikely that United will cash in this summer for a major loss but Ugarte must step up considerably to avoid being another expensive transfer mistake.

Marcus Rashford will leave permanently this summer. His relationship with Amorim completely broke down before he was dispatched on loan to Aston Villa. Rashford impressed under Unai Emery and there will be a market for him this summer but his wages could be an issue for prospective buyers. It’s understood that United hope to recoup €40-€50m for Rashford and he represents one of their biggest assets.

Alejandro Garnacho was clearly unhappy at only getting 20 minutes off the bench against Tottenham and he didn’t hide that disappointment as he questioned Amorim’s decision. While many United fans agreed with him, Garnacho’s comments won’t be appreciated by the manager and his attitude has repeatedly been questioned. The Argentina international possesses huge potential and his attacking numbers this season are good but he also represents pure profit as an academy graduate. Napoli and Chelsea were strongly linked in January and there will be a market for him so United could cash in to fund a rebuild.

After a promising first season, Rasmus Højlund has endured a horrific second campaign in England. The 22-year-old has scored just ten goals in 51 games and his all-round game isn’t good enough to be United’s first-choice striker. United massively overpaid by spending €77.8m to sign Højlund from Atalanta and they’ll be lucky to recoup half of that this summer. There is significant interest in Denmark from Italy.

Joshua Zirkzee struggled after joining from Bologna and his first-half substitution against Newcastle was cheered by the Old Trafford support. That was a horrible moment for the Netherlands international but he’s shown commendable resolve to battle back from that. Zirkzee is outstanding technically but needs to improve from a physical standpoint. The 24-year-old isn’t a natural scorer or a centre-forward – which he was signed to be.

Diogo Dalot completely splits opinion amongst United fans. The Portugal international has an incredible attitude and works tirelessly but there’s justified criticism of his defensive ability. Dalot’s versatility is an asset to Amorim’s system and he will probably stay but he could be subject of interest on the continent.

André Onana’s first season was littered with glaring errors and he’s made numerous big mistakes again this campaign. The 29-year-old arrived from Inter Milan with his reputation bolstered by his performance in the Champions League final but he’s not cut it at United. Onana changed agents recently and links to Saudi Arabia have intensified.

Amorim is a huge admirer of Mason Mount and raised eyebrows by starting him in the Europa League final. The England international’s ability isn’t in question but his injury history is a major concern. Despite being in the last year of his contract, United spent €64.2m to sign Mount but he’s only made 45 appearances across two seasons.

Another player who has thrived since leaving United. Antony has been a revelation on-loan at Real Betis and will face Chelsea in the Conference League final next week. The Brazilian has 13 goal contributions in 24 games and United will be aiming to recoup around €40m for Antony after spending an eye-watering €95m to sign him from Ajax.

Like Mount, Luke Shaw’s time at United has been decimated by injuries and he’s only played 587 minutes this season. The 29-year-old is a top operator when fully fit but he was miles from his best against Tottenham. Shaw’s decision to rush back for England last summer also irked United fans and he could depart Old Trafford this summer, 11 years after joining.

Harry Maguire deserves immense credit for battling back from intense criticism to regain the affection of the United support. The England international has been good under Amorim and is perfectly suited to his preference of deploying three centre-backs. United triggered a one-year extension in Maguire’s contract in the January but he could be sold if a suitable offer arrives.

The Brazilian has entered the twilight years of his incredible career and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he left this summer. Casemiro was firmly out of favour with Amorim but he regained his faith with several impressive performances on United’s run to Bilbao. The former Real Madrid star is now 33 and one of United’s biggest earners with a move to Saudi Arabia mooted.

Altay Bayindir is firmly second-choice to Onana and he’s failed to impress when handed opportunities. The Turkey international will have aspirations of playing regularly and United are unlikely to stand in his way.