Ten Hag keen to cut Man United squad numbers – sources،
Manchester United are expecting several first-team departures from Erik ten Hag in the January transfer window following their exit from European competition this season, sources have told ESPN.
United were knocked out of the Champions League with a 1-0 defeat to Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday. This result also confirms that Erik ten Hag's team finished last in Group A, missing out on a place in the Europa League.
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With no European football in the new year and only the Premier League and FA Cup to play, Ten Hag, according to sources, is ready to downsize his squad.
Jadon Sancho is set to leave without having played since August following his public row with Ten Hag.
The Dutchman suggested last week there was still a way back for Sancho at United if he apologised, but a source told ESPN it is very likely the England striker will leave in January if a suitable offer is received.
Midfielder Donny van de Beek is also available for transfer after playing just twice this season. Spain and Germany are interested in the Netherlands international and although United would prefer a permanent deal, they are open to loan offers.
Discussions are expected to take place with Tottenham over Sergio Reguilón, who was loaned on deadline day. A break clause in the deal would allow Reguilón to return to Spurs in January, but United will first want to find out the severity of the hamstring injury Luke Shaw picked up against Bayern.
Second-choice left-back Tyrell Malacia has suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury and is not expected to return until the new year.
United, according to a source, are open to offers for Anthony Martial, who is out of contract this summer. The club also expect interest in Raphaël Varane and Casemiro, although much will depend on whether both men decide to leave. Varane started for the first time in over a month against Bayern after falling behind Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelöf in the pecking order.
United have Financial Fair Play concerns and getting rid of players in January would ease the burden ahead of the next end-of-season transfer window.
A reduced number of games in the second half of the campaign will also mean fewer first-team opportunities for youngsters Hannibal, Amad and Facundo Pellistri.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment has not yet been confirmed, but a source told ESPN that it was business as usual ahead of the January window. There remains hope that Ratcliffe's 25% investment could still be announced before Christmas, despite a series of delays.
