Man United close to complete €100m double deal as four big-name stars are on transfer list by Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Man United close to complete €100m double deal as four big-name stars are on transfer list by Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Christian Eriksen and Raphael Varane are among four stars set to leave Man Utd this summer

Sir Jim Ratcliffe will waste little time in kicking off Manchester United’s busy summer of transfer business by kicking four stars out of the club, amid reports that the Red Devils are nearing a double defensive signing worth a combined €100m.

The Red Devils have endured a seriously bumpy season that leaves the club floundering in eighth place and in serious peril of missing out on qualifying for any form of European competition next season.

And so bad has been Manchester United‘s form, that manager Erik ten Hag is in serious danger of being removed from his position a year before his contract is due to expire.

And after their season sunk to a new nadir on Monday night after a 4-0 thumping at Crystal Palace, voices suggesting Ten Hag needs axing with immediate effect have grown louder than ever.

However, while the Dutchman is subject to a major audit on his future – being conducted by technical director Jason Wilcox – it’s reported that a decision to axe him with immediate effect, and prior to the FA Cup final, will not be made.

It’s not just Ten Hag, though, who could find himself replaced. Previous transfer-decision maker John Murtough has departed, being replaced, once compensation is agreed with Newcastle, by Dan Ashworth in a newly-created sporting director role.

However, it is the changes on the transfer front – to be overseen by Ratcliffe, Wilcox and Ashworth – that will most excite supporters.

And after their season of major under-performance, they are widely expected to make wholesale changes to their playing squad.

Four big-name Man Utd exits agreed
Now according to Football Insider, United chief Ratcliffe has already made a decision on four stars he wants to move on this summer, having already communicated to those in question that their times are up this summer.

Two of those in Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans will be easy to move on; the defensive pair’s deals expire come the season’s end and neither will earn an extension, with Ratcliffe deciding it best to make a clean break.

Both have been in and out of the side this season under Ten Hag and the decision has been taken to move them both on. In the case of high-money earner Varane, his departure will represent a huge £340,000 a week saving for the club.

He won’t be the only big earner to depart this summer, however, with Ratcliffe also reportedly informing midfield duo Casemiro and Christian Eriksen they can also both move on.

With both under contract until 2026 in Casemiro’s case and 2025 for Eriksen, United will hope to sell the pair first and foremost but may need to come to some sort of arrangement over their deals.

Either way, the four have reportedly been informed they are done with Ratcliffe and Wilcox said to be ‘keen to lower the age of the squad in the off-season’ and ‘will first look to part with Varane, Casemiro, Evans and Eriksen’.

Casemiro’s departure will certainly not come after his performance on Monday night drew widespread criticism, and with Jamie Carragher brutally telling the player why he will have to move on this summer.