Manchester United's young talent officially joins their rivals! Ten Hag initiates a major cost-cutting overhaul, reducing next season’s wage bill by £65 million

Premier League club Leeds United have secured the signing of 16-year-old Welsh talent Alfie Walker from Manchester United, where he spent nine years in the youth system. He has pre-signed a scholarship deal with the rivals and will join Elland Road after the current season ends. Walker personally confirmed the move and his departure from United.

Manchester United allowed Walker to trial with Leeds United; he played in a Leeds U16 match against Liverpool and scored a goal. Walker is a member of the Wales U17 national team, capable of playing as right-back and center-back, and next season he will represent Leeds U18 and U21 teams.

Leeds United and Manchester United are century-old rivals, with their matches known as the "Rose Derby." However, player transfers between them are not uncommon. Notably, Manchester United once poached legend Eric Cantona from Leeds, which helped establish their Premier League dominance. The latest deal saw United sell the speedy Daniel James, originally bought for £15 million, to Leeds for £30 million, making a significant profit.

Walker is the fourth Manchester United player confirmed to leave at the end of the season. The Red Devils are preparing for a major squad overhaul this summer, extending beyond just the academy. In the first team, Casemiro has confirmed his departure as his contract expires this season, with no renewal intentions from either party, and the split has been officially announced.

Forwards Rashford, Hojlund, and Sancho were loaned out this season to Barcelona in La Liga, Napoli in Serie A, and Aston Villa in the Premier League, respectively. Sancho has officially ended his association with Manchester United; like Casemiro, his contract will not be renewed upon expiry, and he will be allowed to leave on a free transfer.

Barcelona holds a €30 million option to buy Rashford, which United expect them to exercise; Napoli will activate a mandatory €44 million clause to sign Hojlund permanently if they qualify for next season’s Champions League, and this deal is widely seen as certain.

Manchester United also aims to sell backup goalkeeper André Onana and backup striker Joshua Hojlund, while left-back Tyrell Malacia will leave after his contract expires. At least seven first-team players are set to depart, freeing up to £65 million in wage budget.

Casemiro earns £18.2 million annually, Rashford £15.6 million, Sancho £10.4 million, Onana £6.2 million, Zirkzee £5.4 million, Hojlund £4.4 million, and Malacia £3.9 million. After their exit, replacements' wages will be significantly lower—for instance, Casemiro’s successor’s weekly salary won’t exceed £150,000, just one-third of his pay!

Reportedly, Manchester United has made progress in their midfield recruitment plans. Initially, scouts evaluated 8 to 12 candidates, but after analysis and discussion, the list has been narrowed down to fewer than five. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs states the focus is now on players like Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest, Carlos Baleba from Brighton, and Adam Walton from Crystal Palace.

Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United and Angolo Stiller from Bundesliga’s Stuttgart are on the backup list. United’s current transfer priority is players already in the Premier League, but transfer director Christopher Viveil, who previously worked with the Red Bull group, persistently recommends Bundesliga players, with Stiller being one example—similar to striker Benjamin Sesko, signed this season for €85 million.

Manchester United plans to sign two of these targets, but if unexpected opportunities arise, other players may be added to the list. After all, the international football market changes rapidly, many top clubs are interested in new midfielders, so having a Plan B is essential.

Whether Carrick can lead Manchester United to qualify for the Champions League will heavily influence the transfer strategy. Without European competition, the Red Devils would have to borrow money to buy players, but the bank loan limit is only £55 million, so the budget would inevitably be reduced. However, a return to the Champions League would make this summer a transfer window for significant investment to upgrade the squad, as the current lineup would struggle to compete on three fronts physically.