As the changes to Manchester United's hierarchy demonstrate, alterations are set to be made to the landscape of the squad this summer.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has grand ambitions to restore the club to its former glories. In order to do that he is having to make ruthless changes that are long overdue.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News earlier this week, United are open to offers for all but four members of their first-team squad this summer. Only Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are deemed untouchable. It means United are set to oversee a summer clear out that could see exits reach double figures. But as United acknowledge, some players within their ranks will be easier to offload than others.
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The likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Scott McTominay may not be short of suitors but offers are unlikely to be forthcoming for the likes of Donny van de Beek and Hannibal Mejbri. The same, too, could be said about Christian Eriksen, who could also leave under the new regime.
The Dane joined United in July 2022 and put pen to paper on a three-year contract, keeping him at Old Trafford until 2025. After playing a key role in his maiden season, opportunities have been much harder to come by this with just three starts in 2024. Such a reduction in game time forced Eriksen into admitting that he is 'unhappy' with his current situation.
Speaking during the March international break, he told Tipsbladet: "I have previously stated that I am not satisfied with not playing, but it's not something that keeps me up at night. The team is performing, and I must respect the role you have alongside.
"For my part, it has been about working hard and focusing on being fresh for every game, and I am. It is easier now to accept my role than it would have been before. I have had a conversation with Erik [Ten Hag] about being unhappy with the situation and wanting to play as much as possible, but I am available and need to be available for the team, which I am and always will be."
Eriksen's admission suggests he will be happy to move on this summer but at 32 and under contract, clubs are unlikely to reach an asking price. Nevertheless, United know they need to improve their success rate in the transfer market, both in terms of incomings and outgoings, meaning they need to offload players at the right juncture. Signed for free two years ago, United can make a transfer profit but the biggest challenge will be finding a suitor.
