Manchester United have a huge summer ahead as they look to ensure Champions League football next season, and draw a line under their shortest season which was filled with a poor start, managerial turnover, questionable performances and then a final glimmer of hope. Although they are favourites as it stands for Champions League qualification, it’s clear the squad and club are in need of another huge overhaul.

In this series of blog posts we are looking at the potential arrivals and departures coming in and out of Old Trafford this summer, and with a big summer of action already on the cards through the World Cup, a permanent manager yet to be appointed at the club and of course some financial aspects to take into account, it’s sure to be a busy few weeks/months filled with lots of speculation and movement.

If you have anything to add regarding our choices for arrivals and departures, then get in touch by leaving a comment, or head over to our social media pages and let us know who you think should be joining or leaving this summer, and let us know what you are predicting for United in the new season to come.

Tom Heaton

Tom Heaton has proven himself to be a more than worthy number 3 backup keeper, even becoming a part of Amorim’s ‘leadership group’ last year. However, at 40 years of age, and with just 3 appearances for the club in this spell, it’s time for a Jonny Evans style move into the coaching role I believe for the keeper. I think if he is to call time on his playing career, the move into coaching is already set at the club, and clearly United would like to have this connection between players and coaches, especially as Senne Lammens continues to find his feet at the club, having a coach he has trained alongside would be vital for his development.

In terms of a replacement, I’d like United to look at a similar model to the Heaton move and similar moves for Butland and recruit a player needing a final year or two before retirement who is unlikely to play but can offer something in a sense of experience, especially if the club decide to put a younger choice as their second-choice keeper. Possibly looking at the relegated sides could offer a solution to this from the Premier League this season, with Jose Sa or Sam Johnstone potentially an option.

Altay Bayindir

The second choice keeper at United is something that has always been interesting, as United have always ensured they have a decent second choice keeper at their disposal if needed, and earlier in the season we saw Bayindir get a run in the team as Lammens arrived and needed some time to settle. However, United have to be looking at Lammens as the permanent no.1 and so Bayindir is a player they could cash in on this summer as a move to somewhere in Europe could surely materialise as the Turkish keeper has done no damage to his career being at United, but ultimately needs to play more regular football in his career at this stage.

For a replacement, I’d love United to give Radek Vitek a chance in the back-up role, having spent some time on loan in the Championship, he now could be trusted to play second choice and possibly be given League Cup games to gain further experience. It may be a risk in case of injury to Lammens, but I think having someone eager to impress but still on their way up in their career would be a great move which would have no cost.

Tyrell Malacia

A player who has had such bad luck at United, Malacia started brightly when he arrived under Ten Hag, but a big injury and then returning as part of the ‘bomb squad’ last summer meant he has managed just the odd cameo under Carrick at this late stage of the season. Last summer some moves were touted for Malacia, but nothing materialised. Since he has returned from injury, having a spell without any further issues could make clubs more willing to look at him this summer, as I think this time at United should be written off and he can still spend the next few years rebuilding.

I would again not look at any major arrival as a replacement, as I think United with Shaw, Dorgu, Amass and Leon could have enough cover in the spot, so I think cashing in and ending this move is a sensible option for the summer.

Casemiro

The one player whose departure we know of, and the one fans are likely most disappointed about, but Casemiro’s spell at United will be ending this summer. His time at United went from great, to disappointing and back to great again as his link-up with Fernandes at set-pieces is a huge thing United need to address this summer, while his experience and status in the game surely cannot be matched. However, at his age and given the speed/fitness concerns, plus the huge wages being paid out, means a departure is the right decision, and United can invest into a new-look midfield.

For replacements, we have looked at the main options in our other posts, but the likes of Anderson, Wharton, Baleba and others are all touted as the big moves this summer, with the midfield being a huge overhaul for United this year. It remains to be seen who would best suit the role, but a big addition is certainly required to replace the outgoing Brazilian.

Manuel Ugarte

The other midfielder potentially on the way out could be Ugarte, who feels like his time at United was always going to struggle, with the move being similar to Mount and Zirkzee in that United took the decision to bring in the player because he was available, rather than him actually suiting a system or style. He has provided an aggressive cameo role under Carrick as United replace Casemiro’s legs or look for some aggression and fight to end games, but his tendency to make errors and passing potential is lacking for United in a key part of the pitch.

With United already looking at for at least one if not two major additions in the midfield, I would also like to see a third choice addition in someone like Hayden Hackney, as his former link to Michael Carrick, his ability to still develop and yet having experience in leadership could make him a great 3rd addition to the midfield as a potentially cheaper option than the names mentioned previously. Although he might be 3rd/4th choice on occasion, with United looking to fight on all fronts next year, they need numbers and losing both Casemiro and Ugarte would leave Mainoo as the only recognised central midfielder left.

Joshua Zirkzee

In attack, United have added very well last summer, in a similar way to the midfield being a focus this year, the attack overhaul worked well in this season as all 3 additions found their feet quickly at the club. However, this did push out Zirkzee from any potential role he has in the front-line, and he still remains well behind Fernandes and even Mount in the no.10 position. I believe Zirkzee needs a move away for his career, but also he just doesn’t quite suit the style United are moving towards under Carrick and longer-term, and so cashing in makes sense given the spending United need to do elsewhere.

Arguably I wouldn’t be looking at a replacement in a no.10 sense, as I think Fernandes and Mount offer more than enough cover, with Cunha and Mainoo also capable of playing that role if needed. In terms of a striker, I do think United need a cheap experienced centre-forward to play back-up to Sesko, but this wouldn’t be an outright Zirkzee replacement.

Loanees

Finally, we must discuss some of the currently ‘on loan’ players from Manchester United, as Onana, Amass, Collyer, Gore, Hojlund, Rashford and Sancho are all listed as being out on loan. Some of these players such as Amass, Collyer and Gore need to be re-evaluated as either potential additions to the first team, possibly another year on loan or maybe a permanent move away if they don’t meet the required standards, but ultimately I can’t pass judgement on these as they haven’t been fully given a chance as things stand.

For the ‘bigger names’ on that list, Onana must be on a permanent move away, as despite him claiming to want to fight for his place, United have a calm head in goal currently, and risking anything around that makes no sense whatsoever. Finding a permanent home might be a challenge, but it’s the time to cash in.

The same can be said for the remaining three, as Hojlund and Rashford look likely to remain where they are currently, with Napoli and Barcelona respectively being a good place for them this season, and the clubs seem likely to accept a permanent move depending on their respective finances. Sancho however probably will be sent back from Villa, however United look happy to call it quits with the player given he is almost out of contract and so can cut ties with United without any issue. It’s a huge loss on the player, but it was never likely to work given recent seasons.

United must be strong in their decisions on these players however, and push for permanent moves away, as these huge stars being loaned out benefits only the clubs they’re at currently, who can take a star name without the cost. United need to fund their arrivals, and this is how to do it, so push the negotiations and stand firm with clubs on what they are willing to accept.

Let us know your thoughts on these departures, and whether you think they’re the right choice, or if anyone else should be on their way out. You can either leave a comment, or head over to our social media platforms to let us know your thoughts on Manchester United’s big summer ahead.