‘Time to say goodbye’: £40m Man Utd ace announces exit as Newcastle surely no longer interested

As the summer transfer window approaches, Manchester United has been linked to a flurry of the nation’s top players. And there might be a good reason why Erik ten Hag is apparently looking to bolster the team for his second season in command by signing a number of English players.

Ten Hag is rumored to be interested in signing a striker and a central midfielder this summer.

Mason Mount of Chelsea, Declan Rice of West Ham United, and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur are a few of the players that are now most frequently mentioned in connection with a move to Old Trafford.

And it’s hardly surprising that Ten Hag is considering the trio before the local factors are expected to come into play.

Every season, Premier League teams are required to have a roster with a minimum of eight homegrown players.

Before reaching 21, players must have trained with a professional English or Welsh club for at least three seasons.

But with the anticipated departures during the summer transfer window, United might not be able to meet that target.

Axel Tuanzebe and Phil Jones will be let go when their contracts expire in July. Tom Heaton is likewise without a contract, though he does have the option of one more year.

Nathan Bishop, who has played as United’s fourth-choice goalkeeper this season, might pursue regular action elsewhere.

While Anthony Elanga, Scott McTominay, and Brandon Williams are reportedly in the shop window, Harry Maguire may emphasize exits.

With such a departure, United’s only senior homegrown players would be Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Luke Shaw, Jadon Sancho, and Marcus Rashford.

The quota can be filled by youth players, but Ten Hag won’t want to utilize anyone under 21 because they don’t have to be registered.

Kane’s priority and United’s growing interest in Mount make sense in light of the importance of domestic acquisitions this summer.

It may also be good news for Mason Greenwood, whose future with the Red Devils is uncertain due to an ongoing internal inquiry.

Greenwood was exonerated of all accusations of attempted rape, coercive behavior, and assault in February.

However, his ban has been extended while United considers whether to reintegrate him into the team or let him go at the end of the year.

While the team considers whether to give Greenwood the chance to continue his career at Old Trafford, Ten Hag’s need for homegrown players may work in his favor.

However, United might not sell every player as anticipated, which might just leave one or two homegrown positions that need to be filled.

Additionally, Greenwood might be better off continuing his development elsewhere if a fresh striker is added.