The Hard Tackle lists four players Manchester United should sell in the summer transfer window as they begin the Michael Carrick project.
Manchester United’s 2025/26 campaign was a topsy-turvy affair that left the club engulfed in a storm of uncertainty. Despite showing slow progress under Ruben Amorim, the situation exacerbated dramatically with his departure in January, plunging the Red Devils into further turmoil. However, at Old Trafford, a different narrative unfolded, one of resurrection and renewed hope.
Michael Carrick arrived at Manchester United with minimal expectations following Ruben Amorim’s sudden exit in January. Yet, the former English international guided the Red Devils to league-best form after his arrival, orchestrating a remarkable turnaround that secured a comfortable third-placed finish in the Premier League. This was no small feat, considering United had finished 15th the previous season, their worst league finish in 51 years and first ever bottom-half placing in the Premier League era.
So, despite finishing the season without a trophy and playing a record-lowest number of games (just 40 competitive matches, the fewest since 1914/15), United approach the summer with genuine optimism. Carrick’s transformative impact was undeniable: he led the team in 17 games, claiming 12 wins and taking 39 points, which was more than any other side in the Premier League over the same period. This optimism has earned him the permanent head coach job, with a two-year contract awarded in the days leading up to the final game of the season.
Before they get into the groove of the new project under Michael Carrick, getting rid of deadweight is imperative at the onset of the summer transfer window. The squad carries several players who have struggled with inconsistent form, poor fitness records, or simply represent positions where upgrades are desperately needed. Here are the four players Manchester United must sell this summer to forge a squad capable of becoming a dynasty.
Altay Bayindir
Altay Bayindir’s tenure at Manchester United has been defined by inconsistency and a failure to deliver when given the chance. The Turkish goalkeeper faltered in his audition to become Manchester United’s first choice in the first few weeks of the 2025/26 season, particularly after Ruben Amorim relegated Andre Onana to the bench. Unfortunately, the 28-year-old failed to make his mark and made way for Senne Lammens, who never lost his spot between the sticks.
The Turk conceded 11 goals in six top-flight outings before losing his spot, making his performances an undeniable area of concern for the management. With Senne Lammens now the undisputed choice for the No.1 role after an impressive debut season, Bayindir’s position at the club has become increasingly redundant.
The need for a better backup goalkeeper is evident. Manchester United cannot afford to keep a player who has not proven himself reliable, even in a secondary role. The Turkish stopper’s departure would free up resources and squad space for a more dependable option who can truly support Lammens when injuries or fatigue arise.
Matthijs de Ligt
Matthijs de Ligt’s situation at Manchester United has lately been plagued by poor fitness records that have severely limited his contribution. The Dutch centre-back has been sidelined since 30 November due to a lower back injury, and just as he appeared closing in on a return, he suffered a minor setback last month. Michael Carrick has not disclosed a timescale for his return, noting that “due to the nature of the injury, it is difficult to provide a specific timeframe”.
The 26-year-old played just 13 league matches this season, scoring one goal. However, his absence since November has disrupted Manchester United’s defensive planning, particularly when Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez were unavailable. At a time when the team is building towards sustained success under Carrick, they need durability at the back ahead of a gruelling campaign.
Furthermore, de Ligt’s departure will aid Leny Yoro’s growth significantly. The French prodigy will become the first alternative to Harry Maguire and the true successor to the Englishman for the right-sided centre-back berth. Yoro managed less than 2,000 minutes of game time this past season, and his involvement should increase if de Ligt leaves. It is cruel on the Dutchman, but that is how the conveyor belt rolls in football.
Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte’s career at Manchester United has been defined by inconsistency since his €50 million transfer from Paris Saint-German in August 2024. The Uruguayan has struggled to make an impact in England, and his involvement has steadily reduced under each manager in the last two seasons. Ruben Amorim himself stated that Ugarte “must enhance” his performance, acknowledging the midfielder’s challenges.
In the 2025/26 season, Ugarte participated in only 24 matches, including just 10 as a starter (1,005 minutes played), with zero goals or assists. Manchester United’s need to create a world-class midfield is urgent, particularly with Casemiro leaving as a free agent. Ugarte has often misplaced passes or lost possession, failing to find a positive rhythm.
A holding midfielder who cannot assert dominance in the centre of the park attracts ire from fans and pundits alike. Selling Ugarte would allow Manchester United to invest in a midfield partner who can truly complement Bruno Fernandes and help build the dynasty Carrick is envisioned to lead. He has no shortage of suitors pursuing his signature, with recent reports linking him with Everton and Crystal Palace.
Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee’s tenure at Manchester United has yet to truly flourish, and pressure intensified throughout the 2025/26 campaign. Since arriving from Bologna, Zirkzee has struggled to find the back of the net with any regularity, often looking like a square peg in a round hole within United’s tactical setup. While his link-up play has occasionally earned plaudits, his lack of clinical finishing has drawn heavy criticism from the Old Trafford faithful.
The Dutchman started in just five of his 26 Premier League appearances, managing only 645 minutes of game time for United overall in the recently concluded camaign. Goalscoring has regularly been an issue for the 25-year-old, and it is time for the Red Devils to cut their losses on him.
Benjamin Sesko is the long-term first-choice striker for Manchester United. However, they need a top-notch option who can be a reliable alternative, and Zirkzee cannot fulfill that role. A return to Serie A seems to be on the cards for the Dutch attacker.
Honourable Mentions
While the four players above represent the most urgent sales, Mason Mount and Andre Onana also warrant consideration. Mount has struggled to remain fit throughout his spell with Manchester United. Onana, on the other hand, was loaned to Trabzonspor for the entirety of the 2025/26 season, and is out of United’s immediate plans.
Notably, we have not discussed Marcus Rashford extensively, despite his decent campaign on loan at Barcelona. The 28-year-old fell out of favour at his boyhood club under Ruben Amorim, and a permanent exit seems certain.
As for the younger prospects, Diego Leon, Jim Thwaites, and Chido Obi should be sent on loan spells to aid their progress. Spells in the Championship or abroad could help them become ready for the first team ahead of the 2027/28 season, ensuring United’s future squad depth is properly developed.
The summer transfer window presents Manchester United with a pivotal opportunity. By offloading certain players, the club can clear deadweight, free up resources, and build a squad under Michael Carrick capable of sustained success. The optimism earned through that remarkable third-place finish must be translated into strategic action. Only then will they truly forge the dynasty Old Trafford fans have waited so long to witness.