Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho. (Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Manchester United are preparing for a major rebuild this summer following a disastrous 2024/25 campaign that saw the club finish alarmingly close to the Premier League relegation zone and fall to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.
Significant changes are expected at Old Trafford in both directions, with several new signings anticipated — and a number of high-profile departures likely. Among those potentially heading for the exit is 20-year-old winger Alejandro Garnacho.
The Argentine was surprisingly left out of Rubén Amorim’s starting lineup in the Europa League final and made just a 20-minute cameo in the loss to Spurs. After the game, Garnacho hinted at his dissatisfaction and suggested his future at United is now uncertain.
“Up until the final I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes — I don’t know,” he said. “The final will influence [my decision], but the whole season, the situation of the club. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards.”
According to The Athletic, United have responded by informing Garnacho that he is free to leave this summer. Amorim reportedly does not view him as part of his long-term plans, with Chelsea and Napoli emerging as potential destinations.
United Willing to Sell Højlund After Disappointing Campaign
Another player facing an uncertain future is striker Rasmus Højlund. Signed for £72 million in the summer of 2023, the Danish international has endured a tough season, scoring just four Premier League goals in 31 appearances.
According to The Daily Mail, Manchester United are ready to listen to offers in the region of £25–30 million, accepting that a significant loss may be necessary to move on from the underperforming forward.
Serie A duo Napoli — now home to former United midfielder Scott McTominay — and Inter Milan are reportedly interested in the 22-year-old.
Højlund’s struggles have drawn criticism from pundits, including Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer, who didn’t hold back during an appearance on BBC’s Match of the Day.
“I’m looking at a damaged player in Højlund,” Shearer said. “He wasn’t ready and isn’t ready to lead the attack at a club like Manchester United.”
“I see a guy who doesn’t want to get in there. There’s no doubt a crisis in confidence. He’s been put into a really difficult situation,” he added. “I’m not saying there’s not a good player there — I think there is — but with the pressure, he’s not ready to lead the line yet.”
With both Garnacho and Højlund potentially heading for the exit, United’s summer overhaul looks set to be one of the most significant in the club’s recent history.
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