Manchester United 'to release five players this summer'

With United still battling to secure a place in the top four of the Premier League standings, Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his squad ahead of 2023-24.

Additions in central defence, central midfield and in attack are likely to follow in a bid to close the gap to the likes of Manchester City and Arsenal.

Nevertheless, there are also likely to be widespread departures from Old Trafford with any fresh faces in line to replace squad members who are deemed surplus to requirements.

Among the exits will be players whose contracts expire at the end of June, and it seems likely that five players will be seeking pastures new.

According to Manchester Evening News, Axel Tuanzebe, Phil Jones, Ethan Galbraith, Ondrej Mastny and Charlie Wellens will all become free agents.

There is little surprise regarding the former two names, each of them having been frozen out at Old Trafford before and during Ten Hag's reign.

Tuanzebe was once regarded as a top prospect at the Theatre of Dreams, his stock enhanced when helping Aston Villa to promotion through the Championship playoffs in 2018-19.

However, the defender, now 25 years of age, made just five outings on loan at Stoke City during the second half of this campaign, and will leave United with 37 appearances to his name.

Jones has been plagued by injury issues, restricting him to just 13 appearances in the last four seasons, and the centre-back's 11-year stay will reach a conclusion having accumulated 229 appearances.

Midfielder Galbraith has enjoyed a productive season at Salford City, chipping in with four goals and three assists from 32 outings in League Two, but the Northern Irishman will be allowed to leave United.

While Galbraith will move elsewhere with one United outing to his name, goalkeeper Mastny will do so having not represented the first team, instead playing for Northern Irish side Portadown this season.

The same applies to academy defender Wellens, who impressed in the youth ranks but has only earned senior game time on loan at National League side Oldham Athletic.