Five costly United departures loom as Carrick prepares radical summer rebuild

While Manchester United are firing on all cylinders under Michael Carrick's stewardship, next season's squad could bear little resemblance to the one currently turning heads. A wholesale clearout is on the horizon, with five substantial investments set to walk away.

Casemiro heads out on a free transfer when his deal runs down in the summer. Andre Onana will complete his loan spell at Trabzonspor before returning, only for United to immediately seek fresh arrangements for the goalkeeper. Jadon Sancho faces an uncertain future too—his contract expires and the club has decided against offering him new terms. Rasmus Hojlund's time at Old Trafford is also drawing to a close, with Napoli exercising their €44m purchase option to secure the striker permanently.

That accounts for four players acquired for a combined £262.2m (including add-ons), but there's a fifth name in the departure lounge. Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Manuel Ugarte will explore his options come summer. The Uruguayan midfielder, signed from PSG for £50.7m two years ago, is already attracting interest from abroad.

Romano disclosed that movement is already underway among prospective suitors. "Casemiro is leaving on a free, but around Ugarte, there is already some movement about some clubs interested," he explained. "There are clubs in Italy considering the possibility to go for Ugarte, so there is interest from Italy. In the January window, Galatasaray were interested, but then nothing really concrete, nothing really advanced, and so all parties decided not to proceed. But Ugarte in the summer could assess options and leave eventually Manchester United."

With Casemiro and potentially Ugarte departing, and Bruno Fernandes restored to his natural No 10 position, United will need reinforcements in the middle of the park—likely two new central midfielders, possibly three.

Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton top the wish-list. Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha, and Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller are also under consideration. Wolves' Joao Gomes has cropped up in reports from Spanish outlets, whilst Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes continues to generate speculation.

Casemiro is said to have weighed in on his successor, reportedly recommending Guimaraes and backing Gomes. The Brazilian connection between the three players may well explain the Spanish media's enthusiasm for this narrative, however. What's clear is that United's targets share a common thread: they've all proven themselves in the Premier League or possess the pedigree to succeed in English football. The club's top priorities—Guimaraes, Tonali, and Anderson—come with premium price tags and won't be straightforward acquisitions, yet they're viewed as essential pieces for United's return to title contention.