Report: Manchester United will save £600,000 per week by releasing three players at the end of June

Manchester United will be up against it financially if the club fail to qualify for European football next season.

As it stands, Manchester United must win the FA Cup to qualify for Europe, as the current Premier League position of eighth is not good enough.

Even with Europa League football, this would not provide the lucrative Champions League income Manchester United and Ineos desire.

United need to sell players this summer, and this begins with releasing those out of contract, who the club do not desire to keep.

Three players expected to be released

Manchester United will free up some substantial funds by releasing three players when their contracts expire at the end of June.

The Telegraph report Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams will all be let go, and this will save a combined £600,000 per week.

Raphael Varane has been a useful contributor this season but he is among the club’s highest earners and United made a decision at the start of the year not to trigger an extension on his deal.

Anthony Martial has not played a first team game since early December against Bournemouth. He has recently returned to training, but he faces a battle to make the matchday squad for the FA Cup final.

Brandon Williams played only once last season for Manchester United and has been out on loan at promotion winners Ipswich Town, but made only eight league starts and has been out of action since December with injury.

Others could leave too, with Sofyan Amrabat‘s loan not expected to be renewed, and a decision to be taken over Jonny Evans.

Williams, Varane, Martial exit funds

Manchester United need to sign a centre-back, left-back and striker, but there is little argument to keeping any of the three players, who are all on excessive wages in some shape or form.

Varane’s and Martial’s make up the bulk of the £600,000, while Williams’ wage packet is too high in comparison to his actual non-contribution.

Across the course of 12 months, the saving just by releasing these three players, will be £31.2 million.

This can be reinvested elsewhere, as Ineos look to remodel the Manchester United squad.

With funds for transfers and wages limited, every little helps, and making this easy saving is a very sensible move.