Manchester United squad audit: Exploring every player's contract and transfer status

Old Trafford’s corridors are already humming with the annual summer calculus of who stays, who leaves and who must be replaced, even before the identity of next season’s head coach is settled. With Champions League qualification back within reach under interim boss Michael Carrick and the confirmed exit of Casemiro creating a high-profile vacancy in midfield, United’s hierarchy face a series of urgent roster decisions. The Athletic has sifted through every senior contract and loan arrangement to map out the likely ins and outs.

GOALKEEPERS

Andre Onana’s deal, which contains a club option through 2028, has looked safe ever since the Cameroon No 1 began producing decisive saves in key matches. United regard the £18.1 million fee paid last summer as money well spent and plan to build around the 23-year-old.

Back-up Altay Bayindir, 27, has not appeared since the 3-1 loss at Brentford in September and was overlooked for January’s FA Cup tie in favour of third-choice Tom Lammens. With first-team minutes drying up, the Turkish international is expected to pursue a move that offers regular football.

Onana’s compatriot, 29-year-old Andre Onana—currently on loan at Trabzonspor until June—has not given up on resurrecting his United career, though the form of those above him makes a return unlikely.

Veteran Jonny Heaton, 39, has not played competitively since the 2023 Carabao Cup semi-final but remains influential behind the scenes. Fresh off being named in the club’s six-man leadership council, he is discussing another 12-month extension.

DEFENDERS

Diogo Dalot, also part of that leadership group, has missed only two league fixtures and is viewed as a long-term piece regardless of tactical shape. Fellow full-back Noussair Mazraoui, signed in 2024, offers wing-back and centre-back cover; a bout of niggling injuries and Morocco’s run to the 2025 AFCON final stalled his momentum, yet his versatility should keep him in Manchester.

In central defence, United have already triggered an extension for 33-year-old Harry Maguire and negotiations on a new deal are advanced. Lisandro Martinez, who turns 29 in January, has another year available via club option, but persistent calf and ACL issues mean officials will weigh his long-term durability.

Matthijs de Ligt, signed from Bayern Munich in a package that could reach £42.8 million, is rehabbing a serious injury yet, at 26, is still considered a foundation piece. The same long-term view applies to 20-year-old Leny Yoro, whose recent struggles are viewed as growing pains rather than red flags.

Teenage defender Ethan Wheatley, signed from Arsenal 12 months ago, will continue his development, while 21-year-old Roony Dorgu—recruited to play left wing-back—has shown flashes as an attacking winger and is rated as depth with upside.

Luke Shaw, 30, has started every league match this term, earning the right to enter the final year of his 2023 contract before the club re-evaluates. Fellow left-back Tyrell Malacia, 26, is expected to depart on a free when his deal expires.

MIDFIELDERS

Casemiro’s exit ends a lucrative era; the Brazilian will leave when his contract expires rather than trigger a 12-month extension that would have kept his £350,000-a-week salary on the books.

Kobbie Mainoo’s renaissance under Carrick has accelerated talks over improved terms; a new long-term contract appears imminent after Amorim labelled the 20-year-old “the future of Manchester United.”

Bruno Fernandes, club captain and creative engine, will attract fresh interest after Al-Hilal’s €40 million-a-year offer last summer. United hope Champions League qualification helps persuade the 31-year-old Portuguese to stay.

Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte, signed from Paris Saint-Germain for an initial £42.5 million, has struggled to anchor midfield, logging only 753 league minutes. If a suitable bid arrives, United may seek to recoup funds.

Mason Mount’s £55 million switch from Chelsea has been sabotaged by injuries; with two years left (plus an option), the coming months will determine whether the 27-year-old is persevered with or cashed in.

Teenage midfielder Toby Collyer, 22, has endured stop-start loans at West Bromwich Albion and Hull City and enters the last year of his deal. His future hinges on how many reinforcements arrive.

FORWARDS

Bryan Mbeumo has justified his Brentford transfer that could top £70 million, scoring 10 goals in all competitions and offering years of peak production at 26. Mateo Cunha, 27, has seven goals and likewise looks an astute acquisition.

Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko, 22, has eight goals in his last 11 games; the club are convinced he will blossom into a top-tier No 9.

Amad Diallo, 23, signed a new deal last January and is viewed as a future contributor. Joshua Zirkzee, 24, stayed put in January despite Roma’s loan enquiry, yet with minutes scarce he could agitate for a summer exit.

LOAN WATCH

Marcus Rashford has 10 goals and 13 assists for Barcelona, who hold a £26 million buy clause they are eager to activate. United will not lower the fee, so a permanent Camp Nou switch is probable.

Jadon Sancho is at Aston Villa until June, when his contract also expires. United possess an option for an additional year but balk at triggering it given his £250,000-a-week wages and the danger of being stuck with an unsellable asset.

Rasmus Hojlund has plundered 14 goals for Napoli, who are obliged to purchase him for £38 million if they secure Champions League qualification. With Napoli third in Serie A, United are already budgeting for the windfall and do not expect the Denmark striker to return.

Whether the next manager favours a back three, a back four or something in between, the squad audit shows a blend of emerging talent, established core pieces and expendable assets. The coming window will be defined by midfield reconstruction, the final say on several injury-plagued veterans and the need to translate potential into points on the pitch.