Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has provided an update on contract matters at Old Trafford, saying Kobbie Mainoo is close to agreeing fresh terms while the club still needs to resolve a handful of expiring deals.

On Mainoo, whose current contract runs until 2027, Carrick said: “We’d like to think so, and it’s getting closer, so we’re positive with that.

“We’re calm with it, but we’re positive with it, and time will tell how it goes. But at the moment, we are in a good place.” United therefore have no immediate rush over Mainoo, but attention must turn to other players whose contracts end this summer.

Casemiro’s exit has already been confirmed. Decisions remain outstanding on goalkeeper Tom Heaton, left back Tyrell Malacia and on-loan winger Jadon Sancho. Sancho’s deal is the only one of the three that includes a 12-month extension option.

Carrick was clear there is work to do: “I think coming to the summer, there’s contracts, and there’s all sorts of things that need to be sorted out, but at this stage, to that stage, it’s not been sorted out just yet,”

“I think we’ll cross that bridge a little bit further down the line, but it’s great to have Harry sorted and clarity in that situation. Casemiro was a little bit before me really, so I wasn’t particularly involved in that, but I think as time goes, everything ends up getting sorted out.

“We’re just not at that stage where anything else is sorted just yet.”

Heaton, who turns 40 later this week, has been a popular third-choice keeper since returning in 2021. He has played just three times since that return and has not featured since February 2023. A one-year extension could be on the cards for the veteran.

Malacia arrived for around $17 million (£15 million) in 2022 and provided reliable service in his debut year before a serious knee injury. Since the summer of 2023 he has logged just 323 minutes and a mixed loan spell with PSV Eindhoven did not reverse his downward trajectory. Offering him an extension would be an attempt to protect asset value, but the list of suitors is limited and keeping him could cost more than a sale would recover.

The dilemma is more acute with Sancho, who cost $90 million (£73 million). Accepting a significant loss on him would be damaging for United, and that is compounded by reports of wages as high as $400,000 (£300,000) per week.

Paul Scholes has called on Manchester United to move on from as many as eight players this summer, identifying a mixture of established figures and emerging names as possible departures. He singled out Leny Yoro as a surprising candidate among those he believes should leave.

Defence was the most prominent area of concern. Scholes backed Matthijs de Ligt to start but said doubts remain over Harry Maguire despite the centre back having recently signed a new contract. “Look, I think he’s been really good and he’s brought himself back from the dead,” Scholes conceded. “I think he’s been sensational, what he’s done. I’m so, so pleased for him, but I’m thinking about a United team you want to win the league and the Champions League, and that’s where United should be aiming.

“I’m not sure you’d do that with Maguire, unless you’ve got someone like a Rio [Ferdinand] next to him, then possibly, yeah.”

On the flanks, Scholes suggested a clearout among fullbacks. Diogo Dalot avoided criticism in the conversation, but Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui were earmarked for exit. “They brought him in as a wingback and he’s not really played there,” Scholes said of Dorgu. “I’d probably sell. I’m not sure what position he is. Again, if you keep him, then he’s just a squad player.”

On Mazraoui, Scholes added: “Sell. I don’t know where he fits in. He’s been like a right-sided center half and they don’t play with three center halves any more. If there are three center halves, then you’d probably have him as one of five or six, but I think it’s probably time to let him go now.”

Luke Shaw won praise and a tough conclusion. “When he was playing consistently, I don’t think there is a better left back in the world , not just Europe,” Scholes said. “But if you’re asking me now—and he’s done alright appearance-wise this year—I’d sell him. He doesn’t play enough games.”

Midfield was described as a priority following Casemiro’s exit on a free transfer. “Another one who’s turned his fortunes, but they need strengthening in that position,” Scholes said of the Brazilian. He added of Manuel Ugarte: “I think he’ll go.” On Mason Mount he said: “I’d probably sell him—and I like him, he’s a great footballer,” and “But he’s never going to play in front of Bruno Fernandes. I’m not sure what other position he could play and he doesn’t play enough games.”

Scholes also suggested unsettled striker Joshua Zirkzee could leave after limited minutes and reported interest from Saudi Arabia.

Scholes’s full verdict listed the following: Senne Lammens Keep; Diogo Dalot Keep; Noussair Mazraoui Sell; Matthijs de Ligt Keep; Harry Maguire Sell; Lisandro Martínez Keep; Patrick Dorgu Sell; Leny Yoro Sell; Luke Shaw Sell; Mason Mount Sell; Bruno Fernandes Keep; Casemiro Release; Manuel Ugarte Sell; Kobbie Mainoo Keep; Matheus Cunha Keep; Joshua Zirkzee Sell; Amad Diallo Keep; Bryan Mbeumo Keep.

A dense set of summer transfer rumours continues to circulate, with several Premier League clubs tied to high-profile moves. Liverpool are reported ready to move on four players this summer: Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Joe Gomez and Federico Chiesa. Chiesa is said to be a candidate to return to Serie A and has been suggested as a potential makeweight in a swap for Inter midfielder Nicolò Barella, who is valued at $69.2 million (£52.4 million, €60 million).

Newcastle have reportedly placed a $109.5 million (£82.9 million, €95 million) valuation on Anthony Gordon as they resist interest from Arsenal. Fulham midfielder Harry Wilson is attracting attention from Liverpool and Manchester United as he approaches free agency, and Roberto De Zerbi has publicly highlighted him as an ideal signing for Tottenham Hotspur.

RB Leipzig have been linked with Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, who appears likely to leave this summer. Arsenal are meanwhile expected to make a formal offer for Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane, whose agent has publicly valued him at $115.3 million (£87.3 million, €100 million).

Manchester United are reported to be planning a summer sale to raise as much as $132.1 million (£100 million) by moving Manuel Ugarte, Joshua Zirkzee, André Onana, Rasmus Højlund and Marcus Rashford. Newcastle are among clubs reportedly pursuing Ugarte, with Juventus thought to be leading the race for a player also admired by Aston Villa and Galatasaray; Ugarte is valued at $46.1 million (£34.9 million, €40 million).

Inter are preparing for the possible departure of Alessandro Bastoni and have identified Riccardo Calafiori as a replacement, with Juventus also showing interest. Barcelona are also considering Calafiori, who can operate at left back, centrally or in midfield. Inter have been linked with Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, viewed as a value option at $23.1 million (£17.5 million, €20 million).

Vinicius Junior’s representatives have reportedly contacted Manchester United and several Premier League clubs amid stalled contract talks at Real Madrid, with Chelsea also alerted. Barcelona have set a ceiling of €50 million for Julián Alvarez while Atlético Madrid are thought to be demanding more than twice that sum. Diogo Dalot is on Real Madrid’s shortlist to replace Dani Carvajal, and Ronald Araújo’s future at Barcelona appears likely to be away from the club as they await concrete offers.