Manchester United plans to trim their roster under Erik ten Hag, and they anticipate at least two defenders to leave in the upcoming weeks.

On Wednesday morning, the Red Devils made their third summer acquisition when they announced Lisandro Martinez would be joining them from Ajax in a deal worth up to £55 million. However, his signing has created a bit of a mess at the centre of the defence, where Ten Hag now has six players at his disposal.

🔥 Feel the fire.

🔴 @LisandrMartinez is ready to bring the heat to United.#MUFC

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 27, 2022

Aside from Axel Tuanzebe, Eric Bailly, and Phil Jones, who were all regulars at Old Trafford last season, Martinez is joined by Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane.

United wants to sell off

The latter three, along with a number of other defenders, are reportedly all free to go this summer.

According to a source in the Telegraph, “United are seeking to unload at least two of Bailly, Jones and Tuanzebe before the conclusion of the window at the end of next month.”

Brandon Williams is also free to leave after a poor loan stint with Norwich last season, and Alex Telles’ future at Old Trafford is also in doubt as a result of Tyrell Malacia’s arrival earlier in the transfer window.

The future of James Garner in midfield and Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the other flank are both up in the air if the Red Devils can’t find a viable right back option.

In total, that would bring the number of exits from Manchester United this summer to 14, while only 3 new faces have entered the club so far, should all those deemed surplus to needs go this summer.

While they continue to pursue Frenkie de Jong, there is still uncertainty as to if the Dutchman wants to leave the Camp Nou. A new forward is still in the works.