Man Utd plan immediate talks with eight stars who could leave for free

Manchester United are set for swift contract calls on eight players who could leave for free next summer, including Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire. The Red Devils will be sweating on their captain's long-term future, having demonstrated his importance to the team with a hat-trick and assist in their 5-2 win over Ipswich on Sunday.

The club can trigger an extra year option in his deal, but are preparing a new contract offer worth £350,000-a-week before the close of the campaign. It's unlikely that the remaining seven stars will get the same treatment, however, with a big season ahead to prove their worth.

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The backline is viewed as the next priority area requiring investment, with the Old Trafford hierarchy prepared to spend significantly, as they have done on midfield and attack in successive summers.

Luke Shaw, now 31, is out of contract next year and will probably need to accept a reduction on his £200,000 weekly wages if he wishes to stay in Manchester, claim The Sun. Their well-publicised search for a new left-back has raised questions about Shaw's long-term prospects.

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At centre-back, both Maguire and Lisandro Martinez have unresolved contract situations. The Argentine has entered the final year of his deal, though United are expected to activate the one-year extension to secure his services.

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Injuries have been problematic, but when fit, he's consistently been a solid performer. Maguire, meanwhile, signed a one-year deal with an option for a further 12 months in April.

The 33-year-old now serves as United's vice-captain and has started in every match he's been available for under Michael Carrick, though his age will inevitably become a consideration - particularly with emerging talents like Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven coming through.

Three youngsters - Harry Amass, Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher - will all see their deals run out in the summer of 2027, with their fate hinging on whether they can prove to United's hierarchy they possess the quality required for top-flight football.

Amass, who spent last season on loan at Norwich and Sheffield Wednesday, is essentially Shaw's understudy this campaign, though United were prepared to move him on during the summer.

The two Fletchers, both midfielders, may find their pathway to senior football obstructed by the club's transfer activity in that area, placing them in a difficult position.

Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton will also be out of contract, having penned a fresh one-year extension to remain at the club in June. The 40-year-old is a hugely influential figure at Carrington and should he decide to hang up his gloves, he could stay at United in a different capacity.

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