Manchester United enter July with an exciting month ahead, with 2024 pre-season set to begin in a week’s time.
Manager Erik ten Hag has been retained after winning the FA Cup, but he is under pressure to deliver an improved 2023/24 Premier League season.
No signings have yet been made, yet we are just two weeks away from the first pre-season game.
But with June 30 now passed, the likes of Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane have now been released, clearing wage space.
July 1 has been an active day in the past for United, and there are a few announcements we can potentially expect and see some clarity on.
New kit announcement
This is locked in. Footy Headlines report Manchester United’s home kit for 2024/25 will be announced on July 1.
The kit will be the first Manchester United kit with new sponsor Snapdragon. The kit will be manufactured by Adidas, and a preview can be seen below.
Erik ten Hag contract
Manchester United are negotiating with manager Erik ten Hag over a new contract extension. Discussions over a new deal have been ongoing over the past fortnight.
United will want this wrapped up quickly and announcing an agreement would be a positive statement of intent. Let’s get it fixed up before the players return for pre-season.
Mixed in with this, could include Ten Hag’s new assistants, with Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake set to join, with Benni McCarthy outgoing.
Jonny Evans contract
As of July 1, Jonny Evans will be a free agent. United have been in discussions with the Northern Ireland defender over a new deal.
The Athletic reported there is ‘optimism’ at Old Trafford that Evans will sign a new deal, continuing to provide valuable back-up in central defence.
Tom Heaton contract
Similar to Jonny Evans, goalkeeper Tom Heaton will be out of contract on July 1. United are also continuing to speak to him over a new deal.
United could move to bring clarity to the situations of both players by announcing extensions as quickly as possible, if an agreement has been struck.
Shola Shoretire future
Talented playmaker Shola Shoretire is now out of contract. When announcing the club’s retained list last month, United stated they were continuing discussions with the 20-year-old.
Shoretire became one of Manchester United’s youngest ever players under former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but he has not had a look-in under Erik ten Hag.
Expect some clarity to be provided, with it suggested via Manchester World last week that Shoretire will not agree terms on a new deal and will leave Manchester United.
Joshua Zirkzee release clause
Manchester United have been closely monitoring Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee, with Sky Sports reporting the club are expected to pay his release clause.
Zirkzee’s release clause becomes active on July 1. Other clubs are looking at the striker too, and United can show how serious they are about him by striking early.
There will still be work to do in order to win the race for the striker, but by triggering the clause, the matter of paying the £34 million fee to Bologna will be one step completed.
Sofyan Amrabat exit
Manchester United have not yet confirmed what will happen with FA Cup hero Sofyan Amrabat, whose loan expired on June 30.
Last year it was at this time United announced loanees Marcel Sabitzer and Wout Weghorst will not be kept on. Expect similar with Amrabat.
United do have an option to buy Amrabat, which had to be exercised before June 30. In the absence of this, expect clarity that he will head back to Fiorentina.
