Manchester United confirm squad retentions and player exits ahead of new season
Manchester United have officially submitted their retained squad list to the Premier League as preparations continue for the upcoming campaign, confirming several notable departures from Old Trafford.
Departures
Among the senior players leaving the club are Brazilian midfielder Casemiro, Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia and England winger Jadon Sancho, whose contracts have now expired.
You might also like
Casemiro departs after four years with the Red Devils, having featured in 160 matches and found the net 26 times. The experienced midfielder was instrumental in United’s triumph in the 2023 Carabao Cup, notably scoring against Newcastle United in the final. He also helped the club secure the FA Cup title in 2024.
Malacia, who arrived from the Netherlands in 2022, made 50 appearances during his spell in Manchester. Despite enduring several injury setbacks, the left-back remained part of the squad and featured three times during the recently concluded season. He was also included in the matchday squad that celebrated Carabao Cup success in 2023.
Sancho’s time at United comes to an end after joining in 2021. The winger made 83 appearances for the club and was a member of the side that lifted the Carabao Cup. During his United career, he also spent periods on loan at Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa.
The club expressed gratitude to all three players for their service and wished them success in the next chapter of their careers.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Dermot Mee has been offered fresh terms. The academy graduate has regularly trained with the senior squad while continuing to represent the club’s Under-21 side.
Several academy players will also move on this summer, including Sonny Aljofree, James Bailey and Malachi Sharpe.
United has stated that departing youngsters will receive support as they seek opportunities elsewhere, including assistance in securing new clubs and access to tailored aftercare programmes. The club has also emphasised that former academy players will always remain part of the Manchester United family.
Defenders Albert Mills and Dante Plunkett are expected to sign their first professional contracts in July after progressing through the academy ranks.
All players included on the retained list remain under contract with the club.
Senior players retained
The squad retained by United includes goalkeepers Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and Tom Heaton, while the defensive ranks feature Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Diogo Dalot, Luke Shaw, Noussair Mazraoui and promising youngster Leny Yoro.
In midfield, captain Bruno Fernandes remains alongside Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte, while the attacking options include Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
A number of highly rated academy prospects, including Kobbie Mainoo, Amir Ibragimov, Chido Obi, Ethan Wheatley, Shea Lacey and Bendito Mantato, have also been retained as part of the club’s future plans.
United’s latest squad announcement provides a clearer picture of manager Michael Carrick’s resources as the club continues preparations for the 2026/27 season.
