Bruno Fernandes among eight Man Utd players who could leave for free in 2027

Manchester United are facing a contract crunch that could see eight first-team players walk away for nothing in the summer of 2027, with the club’s hierarchy planning urgent renewal talks — most notably with captain Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes, who scored a hat-trick against Ipswich at the weekend, is set to become United’s highest earner as the club prepares to raise his salary from £300,000 to £350,000 a week. His current deal includes an option to extend by a further year until 2028, and United are expected to exercise that clause while also sitting down with the Portuguese midfielder to formalise an improved long-term arrangement.

At the back, the situation is more complicated. Lisandro Martinez has entered the final year of his contract, though United are expected to trigger a one-year extension to keep the Argentine in place. Fitness has been a recurring concern, but when available he has consistently been one of the club’s better defenders. Harry Maguire, 33, signed a one-year deal with an optional extension in April and has started every match he has been fit for under Michael Carrick, though the emergence of youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven adds long-term uncertainty around his future.

Luke Shaw, now 31 and out of contract next summer rather than 2027, faces a different kind of reckoning. The left-back is likely to be asked to accept a reduction on his £200,000-a-week wages if he wants to stay at Old Trafford, with United’s pursuit of a new left-back last summer having already cast doubt over his place in the squad.

Three younger players — defender Harry Amass and midfielders Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher — also have deals running to 2027. Amass spent last season on loan at Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday and has been Shaw’s deputy this term, though United were reportedly willing to sell him in the summer. The two Fletchers may find their paths to the first team narrowed by the club’s recent midfield investment.

Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton, 40, rounds out the group after signing a new one-year deal in June. A respected presence at the club’s Carrington training base, Heaton is understood to be considering a future role at United in a non-playing capacity when he eventually retires.

United’s recruitment focus is expected to shift to the defence next, having already spent heavily on midfield and attack in successive transfer windows. How the club handles its current contract situations will shape the squad Carrick has available as that rebuild continues.