Manchester United have confirmed the release of eight players from current squad 

Manchester United have confirmed the release of eight players from current squad 

Manchester United have confirmed the release of eight players, marking a major squad overhaul at the end of the 2023/24 season.

 

 

Among those leaving are France internationals Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial, both departing following the expiration of their contracts.

 

Others revealed by SunSport are Brandon Williams, Charlie McNeil, Marcus Lawrence, and Kie Plumley, who are now free agents.

 

Under-21s player-coach Tom Huddlestone is also on the list, while Alvaro Fernandez leaves Old Trafford for Benfica.

 

Manchester United confirm exit of eight players, with Ten Hag’s job uncertain

Ten Hag could still be axed despite winning the FA Cup – Getty image

The club have exercised their option to acquire him after a loan spell in Lisbon.

 

Meanwhile, the club paid tribute to their departing academy graduates, stating, “The Academy is proud of all our departing young players throughout the age groups.

 

“They will be supported in securing contracts at new clubs, provided with a bespoke aftercare programme, and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United.”

 

Veteran defenders Johnny Evans and Tom Heaton are also free agents but are currently in talks over potential new deals that could see them remain at the club next season.

 

 

On a positive note, a new contract has been awarded to 19-year-old winger Omari Forson, while it remains unclear if manager Erik ten Hag will be axed.

 

Despite leading United to surprise FA Cup victory over Manchester City, many reports suggest he could be change.

 

Louis Saha has backed Zinedine Zidane to be a huge success at Manchester United, revealing the one area in which the Frenchman would instantly improve the Red Devils

Zinedine Zidane looks on

Zinedine Zidane is again being linked with Manchester United amid pressure on Erik ten Hag

Former Manchester United forward Louis Saha has tipped Zinedine Zidane as an ideal candidate to revitalise the club’s fortunes.

 

While Saha appreciates the work of current boss Erik ten Hag, he believes that Zidane’s uncompromising standards could provide a much-needed boost to the team’s mentality. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is at a pivotal juncture regarding Ten Hag’s future after a season in which he delivered the FA Cup but also saw United slump to their lowest-ever Premier League finish of eighth place.

 

In a conversation with OLBG (via the Mirror), Saha expressed his admiration for his countryman: “Zidane is the manager I would dream to have at Manchester United for obvious reasons, he would do well and he’s motivated to come back into football and I think it will be difficult for him to stay out for another year.”

 

Speaking about what the dressing room reaction would be like, Saha added: “So let’s see what happens, but his impact at United would be huge because a lot of players would see him as an inspiration, a motivation to excel and not just accept the standard they are currently at.

 

“They seem to have an approach that just isn’t like something Zidane would have. Too many players at United tend to drop their level and fail to have consistency when you need to have 10 players obsessed about getting them back to the very top to be successful.”

 

Former footballer and BBC pundit Louis Saha giving analysis ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester United

Louis Saha believes in Erik ten Hag but backs Zidane as a “step up” for United

Saha has expressed his support for Ten Hag’s efforts at Old Trafford but also predicted Zidane would represent a “step up.” The former Real Madrid boss, who won two La Liga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies at the Real helm, has been out of work since 2021.

 

Champions League-winner Saha – who played alongside Zidane when France were runners-up in the 2006 World Cup – called Zidane a “really hard worker” who “never asked his managers for anything.” United have recently revamped their boardroom team to address issues that have plagued them in recent years, but recruitment remains one key area of concern.

 

Brazil winger Antony cost £80million from Ajax but has struggled to justify that outlay, while there are arguments concerning the mammoth contracts handed to veterans like Casemiro and Raphael Varane. But Saha believes Zidane’s ability to inspire a change in attitude, as seen during his time with Real, could also be transformative for United.

 

However, he noted that if Zidane were to take over at Old Trafford, he would face the challenge of navigating a less-than-perfect transfer strategy. Nonetheless, Saha suggests Zidane’s demand for maximum effort from his players could lead to a greater chance at success.