12 Man Utd players have just learned their futures will be in the hands of Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag’s decision to extend his contract until 2026 will have a significant impact on the future of several Manchester United players. He is slated to be in charge for the next two years and his decisions will influence which stars could also earn new deals at Old Trafford.

United’s hierarchy has been transformed under the Ineos Group, with figures like Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox being brought in to overhaul their recruitment model. This move is designed to shift the control of transfers away from the head coach and towards a more comprehensive approach.

However, Ten Hag’s contract extension means that he will play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the 12 United players who have entered the final year of their contracts. While some decisions may be easier than others, all will be impacted by the manager’s judgement.

Amad, 21, has shown promise after returning from injury, suggesting the winger could be due for a breakout season. Similarly, 19-year-old Willy Kambwala proved reliable during United’s defensive crisis, indicating that he has a bright future ahead. Both young players could make a strong case for contract extensions.

Conversely, Donny van de Beek has struggled to reignite his career at United under his former Ajax boss. After spending part of last season on loan at Eintracht Frankfurt, the 27-year-old is now being linked with a move to Girona. He is not the only player returning from a loan spell who could be sold by United and Ten Hag.

Hannibal, 21, and Facundo Pellistri, 22, both Manchester United academy graduates, have been gaining experience away from Old Trafford with Sevilla and Granada respectively. However, their prospects of regular football under Ten Hag seem slim.

Scott McTominay, 27, presents an interesting case. Despite expectations of his departure last year, the midfielder fought back to score crucial goals for United. His contract has an extension option until 2026, and despite increasing his transfer value, he may choose to stay beyond his current deal. Fulham are rumoured to be interested in a summer move.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 26, is a trusted player under Ten Hag, having made 30 appearances last season. However, he’s not a guaranteed starter and seems unlikely to agree on a new deal. West Ham have shown interest in the former Crystal Palace star.

Victor Lindelof, 29, is another defender who might be entering his final season at Old Trafford unless he leaves this summer. The Sweden international, who was occasionally used as a left-back last term, is expected to slide further down the pecking order as United look to bring in new centre-backs.

United stalwart Harry Maguire has an option to extend his stay at Old Trafford until 2026. Despite a series of impressive performances amidst a constant rotation of centre-backs last season, the 31-year-old may choose to move on before then. The Red Devils are already scouting potential replacements, with Matthijs de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite on their radar, meaning the former United captain may have to settle for a reserve role.

Christian Eriksen’s situation is more straightforward. The 32-year-old midfielder has found it difficult to secure regular minutes and with United likely to strengthen their midfield this summer, he might be better off spending the twilight years of his career as a key player elsewhere.

Experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who recently signed a new contract, will be 39 in 2025 and may decide to retire.

In other news, Mason Greenwood, who spent last season on loan at Getafe after United abandoned plans to reintegrate him into the squad, looks set to leave the club this summer. The 22-year-old forward registered 10 goals and six assists in Spain and is in the final year of his contract. Marseille and Lazio have both made offers for Greenwood, who did not participate in training at Carrington on Monday following discussions with United’s management.

In addition to the 12 players whose contracts are set to expire during Ten Hag’s tenure, Jadon Sancho’s future is also set for a resolution this summer. The winger had a falling out with the United manager last season, leading him to return to Borussia Dortmund on loan, and Ten Hag’s contract extension seems to signal that Sancho will be on his way out.

Casemiro could also be on the move during Ten Hag’s reign, following a dip in form last season. The 32-year-old signed a contract until 2026, with an option for an additional year, but it seems unlikely that the Brazilian midfielder will remain a prominent part of United’s squad for the next two years.