Michael Carrick has cleared out five first-team players at Manchester United, signalling the most aggressive overhaul of his short tenure as permanent manager. The departures of Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia and Andre Onana have already been approved, with the club’s summer rebuild gathering speed.
Carrick was handed the role in May and announced the exits just a month later, having been given time to assess his squad. Malacia, Sancho and Casemiro all saw their contracts expire this summer, with Casemiro confirming his decision in January. Hojlund made his loan move to Napoli permanent after the Serie A side triggered a £38m release clause, while Onana extended his stay at Trabzonspor for another season following a third-place finish and Turkish Cup victory.
“Carrick has approved exits of five first-team stars, freeing £830k wages, and signed three new players.”
The five departures have freed up a substantial £830,000 in weekly wages, allowing Carrick to turn his attention to new arrivals. Midfielder Andrey Santos was the first through the door, signing a five-year deal worth an initial £48m. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow followed on a free transfer from Leeds, and former Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans joined for £35m. Winger Tynan Thompson has also been snapped up from Tottenham, expected to split his time between the first team and Under-21s.
United remain active in the market, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott identified as their primary midfield target. The club received an apparent boost this week when Scott turned down a new contract at the Cherries, improving United’s prospects of securing his signature.
Carrick’s overhaul is far from complete. With three senior signings already confirmed and more exits possible, the manager is reshaping the squad in his image. The next few weeks will determine whether the clear-out delivers the renaissance United’s fans have been waiting for.