All but TWO Man Utd defenders fighting for their futures ahead of planned transfer overhaul in 2027

MANCHESTER UNITED defenders are on trial this season ahead of a planned overhaul of the defence next year. United are prepared to sign three defenders next year in a revamp that would mirror their midfield rebuild this summer. Luke Shaw could be released next year Credit: Alamy Harry Maguire is the vice-captain now Credit: Shutterstock Editorial The club could still bring in a left back before Tuesday’s 11pm transfer deadline but the backline was never considered a priority in this window. United only enquired about Newcastle left back Lewis Hall after it became apparent that Marcus Rashford would not be sold. Sign up for the Man United newsletter Thank you! United recognised the need for a reinforcement down their left-hand side but were open-minded as to whether to move for a winger or a full back. Hall, 21, expressed his keenness to join United and there were informal discussions before Newcastle dampened any further talk of a transfer. Luke Shaw, United’s first-choice left back, was culpable for Ipswich Town’s opening goal at Old Trafford on Sunday and is into his 13th season at the club. Shaw, 31, is out of contract next year and may have to settle for a reduction to his £200,000 weekly basic salary if United offer him a new deal. Alternatively, United could release Shaw next summer, making room for a new left back. Centre backs Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez will also have to prove their worth over the next nine months. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Maguire agreed a one-year contract with the option for an additional year in April and United will have to decide whether to keep or release the England international this season. The 33-year-old is now the United vice-captain and has started in every game he has been available for under Michael Carrick. De Ligt, 27, has resumed training after back surgery but has not played since November 30 and was one of Erik ten Hag’s last signings in August 2024. Martinez, 28, has technically entered the final year of his deal but United are expected to trigger the one-year extension to safeguard his resale value. Argentina international Martinez has missed 92 United games since he joined the club in July 2022 and will come under pressure to avoid a lengthy lay-off in a season that United are back in the Champions League. Leny Yoro, 20, and Ayden Heaven, 19, are long-term investments but right backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui are effectively competing against each other for their United futures. Both right backs are out of contract in 2028, with the option for another year. Come the summer of 2027, United could make Dalot or Mazraoui available to free up funds for a right-back upgrade. Ticket + hotel room for Man Utd games GET tickets to see Man Utd at Old Trafford with our hand-picked deals. The packages include an official match ticket and an overnight stay in a nearby hotel. Man United Home Games⚽ 13 Sep v Manchester City — BOOK HERE⚽ 10 Oct v Tottenham Hotspur — BOOK HERE⚽ 24 Oct v Bournemouth — BOOK HERE⚽ 7 Nov v Aston Villa — BOOK HERE More games available here. *If you click on a link in this article, we will earn affiliate revenue. Mazraoui and Dalot are competing to start at right back Credit: AFP De Ligt, Maguire and Martinez are United’s most senior centre backs Credit: Getty Comment now