Manchester United has announced its decision to release seven players, including Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe. Despite still being suspended, Mason Greenwood has been retained by the club. Talks are ongoing with goalkeeper David De Gea, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the month. However, it is reported that the Spaniard is close to agreeing on a one-year extension with the club. Meanwhile, United has decided to trigger contract extensions for Tom Heaton, Ethan Laird, Rhys Bennett and Nathan Bishop.
Tom Huddlestone, the Under-21s player-coach, is still in discussions over a new deal with the club and is expected to stay. Five other players have been released by the club, including Di’Shon Bernard and Ethan Galbraith, who spent the season on loan at Salford. The club is supporting Academy trio Eric Hanbury, Charlie Wellens and Manni Norkett in securing professional contracts at new clubs.
In a statement, Manchester United said, The Academy is proud of all our departing young players and their achievements while at the club. They will all be provided with a bespoke aftercare program and will always have a lifelong association with Manchester United.
Jones departs Old Trafford after 12 years and 229 appearances for the club. Meanwhile, academy graduate Tuanzebe, who joined aged eight, is also on the lookout for a new challenge. Despite having several loan spells, Tuanzebe failed to establish himself in the United first-team, although he did produce a stunning display against PSG in 2020 when he kept Kylian Mbappe quiet.
Overall, Manchester United’s decision to release seven players signifies a new chapter for the club as they focus on building a strong team for the upcoming season. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the club’s next move as the transfer window approaches.
