Man Utd fans braced for ‘end of an era’ with five players set to be released in summer including Premier League winner
MANCHESTER UNITED fans have declared it will be the “end of an era” with five stars set to be released.
A number of United stars are out of contract at the end of next month, with decision-makers opting not to renew them.
One such player is long-serving United star Phil Jones, who has won two league titles.
The 31-year-old’s time at Old Trafford is finally set to come to an end following an injury-plagued 12-year stay.
Jones, once likened to United legend Ducan Edwards by Sir Alex Ferguson, went from one of the stars of the future to a mainstay in the medical room.
The former Blackburn defender, now 31, has not featured under Erik ten Hag this season.
Indeed, his persistent injuries in the last few years have seen him play feature in just six games in the Premier League since the start of the 2019/20 season after being handed a new contract in February 2019.
Reacting to the news, one fan said: “He’s tried more when on the field than some of the folks that played the whole season.”
A second declared: “End of an era,” while a third typed: “Ahhh no I’ll miss him.”
Another added: “About time should have gone long time ago.”
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Also joining Jones out the exit door is 25-year-old Axel Tuanzebe, who has been with the club since was eight years old.
SunSport revealed the Congo-born defender would not have his contract renewed before its expiry next month after an agreement between his agent and the club.
Tuanzebe is another star who has fallen foul of injuries, failing to feature for the Red Devils Prem since the 2021 Europa League final.
United will also release 22-year-old midfielder Ethan Galbraith.
The Under-21 star is currently on loan at Salford in League Two, with his only senior appearance at Man Utd coming against Astana in the Europa League in 2019.
Academy goalkeeper Ondrej Mastny and right-back Charlie Wellens are also set to be released by the club.
Meanwhile, the club must also make a decision on the futures of No2 goalie Tom Heaton and reserve Nathan Bishop, with both entering the final month of their deals.
The future of Spanish forward Mateo Mejia is also in doubt, according to Manchester Evening News.
David De Gea may be the most high profile departure from the club IF terms on a new deal are not agreed, with Jones departure now making him the last of Ferguson’s signings.
However, United are determined to retain the Spanish veteran on reduced terms following his golden glove winning season, but have crafted contingency plans should the 32-year-old leave.
The outgoing list of stars will be far less than what the club saw last season.
A number of high-profile stars, including Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Edinson Cavani, Juan Mata and Nemanja Matic were among an exodus of 11 players at the end of last season.