Man Utd plot €70m cull to make way for next signings: Casemiro leads five-man exodus

Robin Bairner

Updated: 2 Apr 2026 15:14 BST
4 min read

Casemiro, Michael Carrick, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Manchester United are preparing to slash their wage bill by €70 million over the summer to make space for a raft of new signings.

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Man Utd are pushing for Champions League qualification for next term and are planning a busy transfer market in order to increase both the quality and depth of their squad.

Without European football this season, the Red Devils have managed with a streamlined team, but the prospect of regular midweek matches means that fresh investment is required in the squad.

Despite not knowing who their next permanent manager will be, the board is ready to make big decisions regarding the playing staff to free up space for their next signings.

Man Utd plan to axe five

The Telegraph reports that United are ready to axe players whose wages cost the club close to €1.4m per week (£1.2m).

The five players that Man Utd are planning on axing this summer are:

Casemiro

Jadon Sancho

Marcus Rashford

Rasmus Hojlund

Andre Onana

Although all these stars with the notable exception of Casemiro are away from the club on loan this season, United are still paying a portion of their wages.

The departure of the Brazil international midfielder has already been made official, while Sancho is expected to depart when his contract expires in June.

Meanwhile, Rashford and Hojlund are expected to leave at the end of their loan spells, leaving Onana as the main sticking point as the summer approaches. The Cameroon international goalkeeper reportedly wishes to fight for his place at Old Trafford.

Critically, if United qualify for the Champions League next season, a “majority” of the players will be in line for a pay rise of 25% next term, adding extra pressure on the wage bill. Hence, offloading these big-earning fringe players is critical.

© IMAGO - Jadon Sancho: Leaving Man Utd at last

Man Utd’s summer transfer plans

United know that their squad is insufficient to be competitive in the Champions League, and hence the money saved on wages is set to be reinvested into the squad.

In particular, the Red Devils are on the hunt to find a replacement for Casemiro in the midfield, and it may very well be that they seek two players for this area. There is a lengthy list of stars that United are linked with, including Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Newcastle pair Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.

A left-back is likely to join United while there is also the possibility of adding an additional centre-back, while a left winger is also likely to be on their shopping list given Rashford’s likely departure to Barcelona.

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