Manchester United 'ready to offload six players in firesale'

Manchester United are allegedly preparing to sell as many as six players during the summer transfer window.

During January, head coach Erik ten Hag felt the need to bolster his squad numbers at Old Trafford, managing to bring in three fresh faces.

As well as Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst being signed during the early stages of the year, Bayern Munich midfielder Marcel Sabitzer was brought in on loan to replace the injured Christian Eriksen.

However, it was widely claimed that United held off making more additions with their focus in the market very much on conducting business ahead of 2023-24.

That said, while it appears likely that several major additions will be made, that will need to be matched by a number of departures.

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According to The Mirror, Ten Hag is prepared to allow six of his current crop to find new clubs ahead of what will be his second season in charge.

The most notable name on that alleged list is that of Harry Maguire, who has been limited to four starts and 388 minutes of Premier League football this season.

Scott McTominay, who will be needed over the coming weeks due to Ten Hag increasing midfield issues, is also expected to be offloaded by the Red Devils.

Ten Hag has also seemingly grown frustrated with Anthony Martial's injury issues, the Frenchman now on the sidelines again having made just nine starts and five substitute outings this campaign.

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The report adds that Donny van de Beek, who is also injured but in the long term, can also expect to be placed on the transfer list as United look to cut their losses with the Dutchman.

Alex Telles and Eric Bailly are both out on loan for the remainder of the campaign, but United hope to cash in on each player in the summer.

As well as those half-a-dozen players, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe will almost certainly depart on free transfers having not played a single minute under Ten Hag.

United will hope to offer any replacements the chance to play Champions League football, helped by a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.