Man United are set to let both Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe leave on free transfers this summer, among others.
Erik ten Hag is ruthless. Perhaps having no room for sentiment is arguably one of the most important managerial traits.
There are still many players in this squad that need to be cleared out. Not only are they taking up big wages, they’re also taking up a spot in the squad.
Well, according to the Manchester Evening News, at least a couple of recognisable names will be let go this summer.
According to their claim, United are ‘expected’ to let a pair of first-team defenders leave on free transfers; Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe.
Jones has not been training with United all season, with injuries seriously derailing the now 31-year-old’s career. Tuanzebe has also been plagued by injury, though he hasn’t really been given many first-team opportunities in Manchester.
Ethan Galbraith, Ondrej Mastny and Charlie Wellens are also to be released during the upcoming transfer window, following the expiry of their contracts.
All five players will now look for the best possible solution moving forward. You’d expect all will receive decent offers between now and the start of the 2023/24 season.
United will benefit from getting some relatively large wages of the books, giving Ten Hag more wiggle room when it comes to bringing players in.
It could also mean the gaffer will look to sign a new centre-half this summer, to replace both Jones and Tuanzebe. Although neither have featured, having that squad depth is still so important.
You point to the fact that Luke Shaw has been forced to play centre-half on more than one occasion this season as the real decisive factor in any decision to bring in a defender.
Do you think letting Jones & Tuanzebe leave is the right move? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.
