5 Manchester United Players Likely to Leave After Europa League Loss
Manchester United’s 2024/25 season ended on a bitter note after a disappointing Europa League campaign that saw them crash out in the knockout stages. The exit not only cost them a shot at silverware but also cast serious doubt on the futures of several key players at Old Trafford. With managerial uncertainty, squad underperformance, and pressure from fans and ownership to rebuild, a summer clear-out seems imminent. Here are five Manchester United players who are most likely to leave following the Europa League disappointment.
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1. Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire’s time at Manchester United has been a rollercoaster. Signed for a record £80 million from Leicester City in 2019, he was once seen as the leader to stabilize United’s shaky defense. However, over the past two seasons, Maguire has slipped down the pecking order, with Lisandro Martínez and Raphaël Varane preferred as the starting central defensive pairing when fit.
While Maguire did enjoy somewhat of a resurgence during the 2023/24 season due to an injury crisis, his form has remained inconsistent. His lack of pace and occasional lapses in concentration have made him a target for criticism. The Europa League loss was another nail in the coffin, highlighting United’s defensive vulnerabilities, with Maguire failing to command the back line when it mattered most.
With Euro 2024 on the horizon and his place in the England squad not guaranteed, Maguire may seek regular playing time elsewhere. West Ham, Aston Villa, and even Saudi clubs have been rumored as possible destinations. United are also eager to reduce their wage bill and bring in younger, more dynamic defenders.
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2. Anthony Martial
Once tipped as the next Thierry Henry, Anthony Martial’s career at Manchester United has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. The French forward, who arrived at Old Trafford in 2015 amid great fanfare, has failed to live up to expectations. His most recent seasons have been marred by fitness issues and lack of impact, with a poor goal return underscoring his decline.
In the Europa League, Martial was largely ineffective, offering little in the way of movement or finishing threat. As United crashed out, it became clear that the club needs a reliable striker to partner or back up Rasmus Højlund — someone with both hunger and fitness. Martial is out of contract in June 2025, and United are unlikely to extend his stay.
Given his wages and injury record, selling Martial won’t be straightforward. However, a move to a mid-table Premier League side or a Ligue 1 return could provide him with the reboot he so desperately needs. For United, it’s time to move on and invest in younger, more robust forwards.
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3. Donny van de Beek
Donny van de Beek’s transfer to Manchester United has been one of the most puzzling moves in recent club history. Signed from Ajax in 2020, the Dutch midfielder came with great promise but has barely featured under three different managers. Loan spells at Everton and Eintracht Frankfurt have failed to revive his career, and he was notably absent during United’s Europa League run.
Van de Beek’s style never quite fit into the Premier League’s high-octane tempo, and he has struggled to adapt tactically. Despite flashes of quality, he hasn’t been able to displace Bruno Fernandes or any of United’s regular midfielders. His confidence appears shattered, and with his stock falling, a permanent move away from Old Trafford seems inevitable.
Reports suggest that clubs in the Eredivisie and Bundesliga could offer him a lifeline. Ajax remains a potential destination, as do other European clubs looking for a smart midfield addition at a cut price.
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4. Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s situation at Manchester United is complex and has been mired in controversy. Once seen as a marquee signing from Borussia Dortmund, the English winger has failed to replicate his Bundesliga form. After falling out with manager Erik ten Hag early in the 2023/24 season, Sancho was exiled from the first team and eventually loaned back to Dortmund.
His performances in Germany have reminded fans of his immense talent, but whether he has a future at United remains uncertain. Much depends on whether Ten Hag stays or goes. If the Dutch manager departs, Sancho may have a path to redemption. But if he remains, the rift seems irreparable.
Sancho is still young and has significant market value. Dortmund are keen on a permanent transfer, and several clubs in Serie A and La Liga are monitoring his situation. A summer exit, whether on loan or permanent, appears highly likely unless major changes occur at the club.
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5. Scott McTominay
Scott McTominay is a player who divides opinion among Manchester United fans. A product of the club’s academy, the Scottish international has shown immense passion and determination, often scoring crucial goals. However, his technical limitations and lack of creativity in midfield have been exposed, particularly in high-pressure European matches.
In the Europa League campaign, McTominay struggled to control games or provide any defensive stability. As United look to overhaul their midfield — with eyes on more composed, ball-playing options — McTominay may find himself surplus to requirements. With Kobbie Mainoo emerging as a key player and the club likely to dip into the transfer market for another midfielder, McTominay’s role could be significantly reduced.
Newcastle United and West Ham have both shown interest in the past, and a transfer could provide him with the regular football he needs. He’s one of the few players United could sell for a decent fee, making his exit both a sporting and financial decision.
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Conclusion
Manchester United’s failure in the Europa League was not just a singular event — it was symptomatic of deeper issues within the squad. Lack of consistency, leadership, and tactical flexibility have all contributed to the current malaise. A summer of significant change seems not only likely but necessary.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group now having influence over football operations, fans can expect a more strategic approach to transfers and squad management. The players listed above — Maguire, Martial, Van de Beek, Sancho, and McTominay — have either failed to meet expectations or simply no longer fit the vision for the future.
Letting them go would open space for fresh talent and help Manchester United move into a new era with a more balanced, motivated, and tactically coherent squad. Only time will tell whether the club can finally turn potential into performanc
e, but one thing is certain: the rebuilding process must start now.
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