United to shed £33m in wages as Rashford's Barcelona future remains unresolved

Manchester United are set to release Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia at the end of the season, trimming approximately £640,000 per week from their wage bill — a saving of at least £33 million annually. The departures form the centrepiece of a broader squad overhaul as the club looks to bring its cost base under control.

Casemiro arrived from Real Madrid in 2022 on a substantial contract, initially brought in following early-season defeats to Brighton and Brentford under Erik ten Hag. His spell at Old Trafford was largely productive, but United now face the task of replacing him with at least two new midfielders ahead of next season. Malacia joined in the same summer and showed early promise before injuries effectively ended his time at the club. Sancho, signed from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, leaves widely considered one of the club’s most disappointing acquisitions; he spent this season on loan at Aston Villa but struggled to hold down a regular starting place under Unai Emery.

Further wage relief hinges on the outcome of Marcus Rashford’s loan at Barcelona. The winger has had an outstanding campaign in Spain, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions — form that earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup. Barcelona hold a £26 million buy option that must be activated by 15 June, but reports from Spain indicate the club are reluctant to pay the agreed fee and may attempt to renegotiate the terms.

United have made clear they have no intention of reintegrating Rashford into their first-team squad next season under Michael Carrick, meaning a failure to agree a permanent deal would leave both parties in a difficult position.

Barcelona’s interest in alternative left-sided attackers has added to the uncertainty. The Press Association reports that the Spanish club have shown interest in Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who has operated primarily as a frontman this season under Eddie Howe but built his reputation as a wide player. Victor Munoz, one of La Liga’s standout performers this season, has also been mentioned as a target, further clouding Rashford’s prospects of a permanent move to the Camp Nou.