Five defenders that could leave Manchester United this summer

Malacia has already made two appearances for the Red Devils on their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, with the Netherlands international featuring against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory.

Meanwhile, on Sunday afternoon, the 20-time English champions confirmed that they had reached an agreement with Ajax for Martinez, with the defender believed to be preparing to sign a five-year contract.

Man United are now well-stocked at the back, which will lead to players leaving before the end of the window, and with that in mind, Sports Mole picks out five defenders that could depart this summer.

Eric Bailly

Eric Bailly has made a positive impression on Man United's pre-season tour, performing impressively against both Liverpool and Melbourne Victory, but with Martinez now arriving, it would be fair to assume that he is now the club's fifth-choice centre-back behind the Argentine, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane.

The 28-year-old only made seven appearances for the Red Devils last term, with just four of those coming in the Premier League, and it is difficult to imagine him playing too much next season due to the competition for spots.

There will be a number of clubs interested in signing the Ivory Coast international, but his wages will price out many interested parties.

Bailly still has two years left to run on his contract at Old Trafford, and there have been suggestions that he is keen to stay and fight for his spot, but the defender might be forced to depart if new head coach Erik ten Hag makes it clear that he is down the pecking order.

Phil Jones

Phil Jones has not travelled with Man United on their pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia, with the defender instead remaining in Manchester to train at the club's Carrington complex.

The 30-year-old, who has seen his career stall over the last couple of years due to a serious knee injury, only made five appearances at club level last term, including four outings in the Premier League.

Jones demonstrated that he can still perform at the top level with his displays against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, Chelsea and Brentford, but like Bailly, he is down the pecking order at the club.

The centre-back has another 12 months left on his contract, with the option of an additional year, and he might be allowed to leave Man United on a free transfer this summer.

Wages will also be a problem, with the defender on a substantial salary at Old Trafford, but a desire to play regular football after seemingly overcoming his injury problems could see him accepting a smaller deal elsewhere.

Axel Tuanzebe

Axel Tuanzebe was with the Man United squad in Thailand for the clash with Liverpool but did not travel with Australia due to a personal issue.

The 24-year-old had a frustrating 2021-22 campaign, spending time out on loan with Aston Villa and Napoli, but he struggled for action at either club.

Tuanzebe is back at Old Trafford this summer, and the 2016-17 Europa League winner still has another 12 months left to run on his contract at the club.

The defender has made 37 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, with his best season coming in 2020-21, when he featured on 19 occasions, but it is difficult to imagine him forcing his way into the side next term considering the players ahead of him.

There will be a number of clubs keeping a close eye on the situation, and he could potentially spend next season out on loan before departing on a free transfer in the summer of 2023.

Alex Telles

Alex Telles was a regular for Man United last season, making 26 appearances in all competitions, including 21 outings in the Premier League.

However, the arrival of Malacia has seemingly pushed the Brazilian down to third choice when it comes to the left-back spot, and it is unlikely that Ten Hag will want three left-backs in his squad for next season.

As a result, it would not be a surprise to see the 29-year-old depart before the end of the transfer window.

Telles scored 26 goals and registered 57 assists in 194 appearances for Porto before moving to Old Trafford, and he has proved to be a strong attacking outlet for the 20-time English champions.

However, he has struggled defensively for the Red Devils, and a return to Portugal could be on the cards, while Barcelona have also previously been credited with an interest in his services.

Brandon Williams

Brandon Williams is back at Old Trafford after spending the 2021-22 campaign on loan at Norwich City, representing the Canaries on 29 occasions in all competitions.

The defender has made 50 appearances for Man United, including 36 outings during the 2019-20 campaign, but he is now back down the pecking order at the club.

The 21-year-old is capable of playing as both a right-back and a left-back, which could count in his favour, especially as there is also speculation surrounding Aaron Wan-Bissaka's future.

Ten Hag also has a decision to make when it comes to Ethan Laird, with two or three players battling to be Diogo Dalot's back-up during the 2022-23 campaign.

There will not be a shortage of takers for Williams, who was left out of the Man United squad for their pre-season tour of Australia and Thailand due to an injury problem.