Manchester United 2025-2026: Who's Out, Who Might Leave and What Comes Next

The conclusion of Manchester United's season was marked by disappointment, as a Europa League final loss to Tottenham dashed hopes of a celebratory end. With Ruben Amorim at the helm and financial constraints looming large, the club faces a summer of tough decisions and potential upheaval. The focus is now firmly on rebuilding the squad, trimming the wage bill and planning for a sustainable rebuild.

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Contract Expirations and Player Futures

Several critical contracts at Manchester United are approaching expiration in 2025 and 2026, with the decisions made concerning these players greatly affecting the squad going forward.

Christian Eriksen, who joined the club in 2022, has struggled for consistent minutes under Amorim. At 33 years old and out of contract this summer, he is expected to depart. The Danish midfielder has reportedly not received any indication of renewal; internally, it is believed the club intends to part ways.

Victor Lindelof is another long-serving player nearing the end of his time at Old Trafford. His contract, also up this summer, has yet to be extended. With limited starts over the past season and reported interest from former club Benfica, a return to Portugal may be on the cards.

Veteran defender Jonny Evans, who rejoined United in 2023 as a free agent, has been sidelined since December due to injury. At 37 and out of contract, a second departure from the club seems inevitable. Similarly, goalkeeper Tom Heaton has not featured this season and is also set to exit once his deal expires.

Strategic Player Sales and Homegrown Dilemmas

United’s failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League has intensified the need to manage spending and comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). As part of this effort, selling high-value players, particularly those developed in-house, could be a strategic move.

Young talents like Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo are considered prime assets under PSR due to their homegrown status. Although both have shown promise, their potential sales would register as full profit on the books. Garnacho, left out of the Europa League final starting XI, is reportedly re-evaluating his position at the club. Mainoo, too, has seen limited starts, casting some doubt on his long-term role under Amorim.

Longer-Term Contracts; Questions Remain

Although several contracts are expiring, others extend into 2026—but that does not necessarily secure a player’s place. Harry Maguire’s deal was extended by a year in early 2025. The defender, once out of favor, has re-established himself in the lineup under Amorim and is perceived as a veteran presence. However, his higher salary and market interest from other clubs could influence transfer decisions.

Casemiro, whose contract runs until summer 2026, experienced a turbulent season. Early on, he was benched due to performance issues and tactical shifts. However, in the latter stages of the campaign, he contributed key performances in United’s Europa League run. Despite this resurgence, his age and wages continue to prompt internal discussions about a possible sale to free up financial resources.

The Bruno Fernandes Conundrum

One of the more complex situations involves club captain Bruno Fernandes—officially under contract beyond 2026, speculation about his future has intensified following recent interviews. Although he has publicly committed to the club’s vision in the past, his latest statements indicate a willingness to leave if management chooses to monetise his value.

Fernandes remains one of the club’s most influential figures on the pitch and is among its highest earners. Given United’s pressing need to balance their books, offloading a player of his calibre and contract value is not entirely off the table. Amorim is said to admire Fernandes and views him as prominent in the rebuild; however, the financial department may have different priorities.

Amorim’s Vision and Rebuild Timeline

Ruben Amorim took over amid high expectations and a deeply divided squad. Following the Europa League final defeat, the consensus among analysts and former players is that Amorim will need multiple transfer windows to fully implement his system. The club’s ownership, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is believed to back Amorim in principle; however, financial flexibility remains tight.

Amorim has already begun internal evaluations, with some younger players like Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri expected to be integrated more consistently. Meanwhile, loanees and fringe players are likely to be offloaded to create space both in the squad and the wage bill.

Looking Ahead

Manchester United’s squad is set for a significant transformation in the coming months, with multiple players nearing contract expirations, uncertain futures for star performers and a manager seeking a fresh identity for the club, the summer of 2025 will likely be one of the most pivotal in recent memory.

Financial prudence, strategic sales and youth integration are likely to dominate the headlines as Old Trafford prepares for a new chapter under Ruben Amorim. Much will depend on how quickly the new hierarchy can implement changes, particularly with PSR pressures mounting and a restless fanbase demanding clear direction and ambition.