Sunday’s clash with Brighton could signal the final game for a number of Manchester United players
Michael Carrick is set to make several key decisions in the summer transfer window(Image: Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Manchester United have endured a significant season of upheaval, with further transformation anticipated this summer. Michael Carrick did far more than simply stabilise matters after succeeding the struggling Ruben Amorim in January, steering the club to third place in the Premier League.
With Carrick soon to be confirmed as the man to lead United moving forward, attention has shifted to potential arrivals and departures once the club’s campaign concludes against Brighton on Sunday.
United have bolstered their transfer funds through the sale of Rasmus Hojlund to Napoli, while Barcelona face a crucial decision regarding the on-loan Marcus Rashford. Meanwhile, Andre Onana could secure a permanent switch to Trabzonspor, where he is presently plying his trade.
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However, there are five additional stars who could potentially play their final match for United this Sunday. MEN examines the situation more closely.
Manuel Ugarte
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos operation intended to grant new arrivals two campaigns to demonstrate their worth. Ugarte is nearing the conclusion of his second year at the club, and the Uruguayan has struggled to make his mark.
Manuel Ugarte has struggled for form during his time at United(Image: Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images)
United parted with £50.5million to secure Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in August 2024. The deep-lying midfielder was expected to inject bite and resilience into the club’s midfield after establishing himself as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in Europe during an impressive stint with Sporting CP.
However, Carrick has shown little faith in the 25-year-old, with Ugarte failing to feature since the Leeds fixture in April, and a departure appears probable.
Altay Bayindir
Whether Bayindir will seek to revive his career elsewhere or endure another campaign on the substitutes’ bench at Old Trafford remains unclear. The Turkish goalkeeper has been heavily touted for a transfer, which would provide him with greater opportunities for regular football.
Altay Bayindir could leave United(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
While he displaced Onana at the beginning of last season, that was reportedly more a reflection on the latter’s struggles. A significant error against Arsenal on the opening weekend proved difficult to overcome, and the signing of Senne Lammens has essentially sealed Bayindir’s destiny at United.
Joshua Zirkzee
Recruited during a period when the club was in turmoil, both on and off the pitch, the Dutch forward somewhat epitomises United’s years in the doldrums. Almost two years since his £36m arrival from Bologna, his optimal role remains uncertain.
Joshua Zirkzee has underwhelmed at United(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
The 24-year-old lacks the attributes of a conventional No. 9 and finds it challenging to operate in wider or deeper positions. A meagre tally of nine goals across 74 league outings demonstrates why Carrick shows little preference for him.
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When given chances, as Carrick did at Sunderland earlier this month, Zirkzee has offered scant evidence that he possesses a long-term future at the club, with a summer departure potentially benefiting all concerned.
Mason Mount
It has been widely reported that United’s main focus this summer is to overhaul their midfield, with Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Aurelien Tchouameni all touted as potential targets.
While Mount is approaching the conclusion of his third campaign at Old Trafford, it’s fair to say the transfer hasn’t panned out as he would have envisaged. The former Chelsea man has struggled to justify his reputation and could be offloaded to raise funds.
Mason Mount has struggled to justify his price tag(Image: (Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
The 27-year-old, who remains tied to United until the summer of 2028, has managed just 24 appearances across all competitions so far this season. Club legend Gary Neville even floated the prospect of selling Mount this summer, having initially been doubtful about the £53m acquisition.
Matthijs de Ligt
It might prove a contentious decision, but United have moved away from deploying a back three under Carrick, with the United manager preferring Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.
Matthijs de Ligt has missed a chunk of action for Manchester United this season(Image: Ash Donelon/Getty Images)
While the Dutch defender has been sidelined for much of the season, missing five months through injury, his reliability has led United to assess their options in the market.
De Ligt is now working his way back from his extended absence, but at 26, United could still command a substantial fee for the centre-back who arrived for approximately £43m in August 2024.
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