With Manchester United expected to part ways with Michael Carrick imminently, we're looking at the players who may end up following the Englishman out the door

Manchester United could be heading towards a major overhaul, not just in the dugout, but throughout their squad too.

With Michael Carrick reportedly close to losing his job, his potential departure may be just the beginning of a significant clear-out at Old Trafford.

The Reds have endured a miserable start to the campaign, finding themselves 18th in the Premier League table heading into the international break. Just one victory from their first 10 league fixtures has piled the pressure on Carrick, while a defence that has looked increasingly vulnerable has conceded 15 goals across their last five matches in all competitions.

Their latest setback, a chaotic 4-4 stalemate against Aston Villa on Sunday, may have proved decisive. Despite Carrick's team fighting back to rescue a point, United appear to be preparing for a change in leadership, with attention already turning towards possible successors.

But whoever takes charge could inherit a squad in need of considerable surgery. Several established names have failed to deliver consistently, while others may struggle to fit into the plans of a new head coach.

As many as nine senior players could therefore be facing uncertain futures, whether through a decision by the club or a desire to seek opportunities elsewhere. Here, MEN examines the nine Manchester United stars who could be heading for the exit.

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Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire's time at Manchester United could finally be coming to an end, with the defender approaching the final few months of his existing contract. Although United have the option of extending his deal by another 12 months, there is little justification for activating it given his inconsistent performances over recent seasons.

The former captain will celebrate his 34th birthday in March and has struggled to provide the defensive stability required during United's latest period of turmoil. A summer departure would allow both Maguire and United to move on.

Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez was once regarded as one of the most important figures in United's defence, but his standing at Old Trafford has diminished considerably over the past 18 months. A succession of fitness problems has prevented the Argentine from establishing any real consistency, leaving the club struggling to rely on him as a regular presence.

His current contract runs until 2027, with United also holding the option of an additional year. However, the club have little reason to commit to a longer stay when there are already other defensive options available within the squad with better form and fitness records.

Mason Mount

Mason Mount's move to Manchester United has so far failed to live up to expectations. Injuries have repeatedly interrupted his progress, while his performances when available have done little to establish him as an indispensable member of the side.

The former Chelsea midfielder has gradually slipped down the pecking order, with Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all seemingly ahead of him in the battle for attacking midfield positions. Mount remains under contract until 2028, but United may struggle to find a better opportunity to recover a sizeable portion of the £55million they initially spent on him than the next two transfer windows.

Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes' long-term future at Manchester United has been the subject of speculation for some time, and the club's latest struggles could convince him that a fresh challenge is necessary. His public spat with Michael Carrick has also contributed to growing tension, with his relationship with the club's hierarchy and sections of the support being tested in recent weeks.

Carrick's potential dismissal might initially appear to improve Fernandes' situation, but a managerial change could equally provide an opportunity for United to consider a new direction. With his contract due to expire in 2027, United must decide whether to activate their one-year extension or consider cashing in while they can still command a substantial fee.

Losing their captain would represent a significant decision, but a new manager may feel it is time for a different approach.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford looked set to leave Manchester United in the summer, only for a proposed switch to Barcelona to fall through. His relationship with the club has been difficult to repair ever since he formally requested a transfer in December 2024, with his subsequent performances doing little to suggest that the situation has improved.

The forward remains contracted until 2028, meaning next summer could represent United's last realistic opportunity to secure a significant transfer fee for him. A departure could ultimately be the best outcome for everyone involved, giving Rashford the chance to rebuild his club career, and allowing United to take his substantial wages off their bill.

Joshua Zirkzee

Signed towards the end of Erik ten Hag's tenure, Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to establish himself as a convincing option to lead Manchester United's attack. The Dutchman has spent much of his time at the club watching from the sidelines, with his opportunities to impress rarely producing the sort of performances needed to secure a regular starting position.

Even Carrick has shown a willingness to look elsewhere when filling the centre forward role, turning to players such as Cunha and Mbeumo rather than placing his faith in Zirkzee. At 25, the striker should be approaching the prime years of his career, yet another season spent playing a supporting role would do little to help his development - therefore, a permanent transfer in 2027 might sense for all parties.

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo's prospects at Manchester United improved significantly following Carrick's arrival earlier this year, having previously found himself marginalised under Ruben Amorim. However, the midfielder's improved standing may not necessarily survive another change in the dugout, with a new manager potentially having very different ideas about how to build the team.

The England international cannot afford to spend another prolonged period struggling for minutes, particularly at a crucial stage of his development. Several leading European clubs are understood to be keeping tabs on his situation, meaning interest could quickly turn into concrete offers if his future becomes uncertain.

United have previously demonstrated a willingness to consider offers for Mainoo, and the next managerial appointment could prove decisive. If the incoming boss does not view him as a central figure in their plans, the club may be forced to weigh up the financial benefits of allowing their academy product to leave.

Luke Shaw

Luke Shaw's lengthy spell at Manchester United looks to be approaching its conclusion, with the left back entering the final months of his contract. Having spent 12 years at Old Trafford, the England international has endured a topsy-turvy few years with form and fitness troubles, and his age appears to have caught up with him.

United need greater reliability and athleticism in the full-back positions, and Shaw's availability has, in the past, been a recurring concern, making it difficult to justify retaining him as a long-term solution. Allowing the defender to depart on a free transfer next summer would also free up a considerable amount of space on the wage bill and could help fund a replacement, with Newcastle's Lewis Hall among the potential options to strengthen the position.

Tom Heaton

Tom Heaton has quietly fulfilled an important role at Manchester United, providing experienced cover between the posts and acting as a dependable presence around the squad. However, the veteran goalkeeper is approaching the end of his playing career, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season.

There is no option to extend his agreement, meaning his second spell at Old Trafford looks increasingly likely to conclude next summer. Having reached the age of 40, the former England international could decide that the time has come to hang up his gloves or move into a permanent coaching position. Heaton's departure would therefore be a relatively straightforward decision as the club look to refresh their squad and make room for the next generation under a new manager.