Man Utd confirm list of players released on free transfer

Manchester United have confirmed the players leaving Old Trafford on a free transfer this summer, with Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane the highest-profile exits.

Martial joined United from Monaco in September 2015 in a deal worth an initial £36m, rising to £57.6m depending on achieved bonuses.

At the time, Martial stated "I have always wanted to play in the Premier League and to join the biggest club in the world is what every young footballer dreams of", but he only broke the 20-goal barrier in all competitions once during his nine seasons in Manchester.

The 28-year-old's stay was severely disrupted by injuries, evidenced by just 42 Premier League appearances in his final three years at the club. In total, he scored 63 goals in 209 Premier League games and added a further 27 in all competitions.

United will make a big saving on not only Martial's wages but also on those of Varane, who has spent three years at the club following a big-money move from 15-time Champions League winners Real Madrid.

Varane also struggled with a myriad of injury problems, restricting him to just 68 Premier League appearances, and he leaves United amid strong interest from the cash-rich Saudi Pro League.

United have confirmed that new contract discussions are ongoing with Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton, while youngster Omari Forson, who broke into the first-team, has formally been offered a new deal. Talks are also still ongoing with Shola Shoretire, who made five appearances in 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Brandon Williams, another United academy graduate, is leaving after spending the 2023/24 season on loan at Ipswich Town, and Charlie McNeill, Marcus Lawrence, Kie Plumley and Tom Huddlestone, who has spent two years mentoring and playing alongside the Under-21s, are also departing.

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