10 Manchester United players who could leave on free transfer next year

#2 Chris Smalling

Chris Smalling's contract extension is far from decided

Not many Manchester United fans would like to admit this, but the fact is that Chris Smalling has been the club’s most consistent defender in recent years. The England international was expected to be relegated to the bench at the start of this season due to his knack for errors.

However, the severe dip in form of Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof means Smalling has kept his place in the United first team. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, it remains to be seen if the centre-back will be handed fresh terms.

But if the club decides otherwise, then Smalling will be departing Old Trafford at the end of the season as a free agent.

#1 Phil Jones

Phil Jones could leave Man United at the end of the season

From one centre-back to the other, Phil Jones is one of 10 Manchester United players whose contracts are set to expire next year. The former Blackburn Rovers defender has been blighted by niggling injuries in recent times and seems to be out of favour at the moment.

If any of the defenders will be sacrificed, it is likely to be Jones, rather than teammate Chris Smalling. Bringing in a centre-back will be a priority of the club next summer and it is not difficult to see why Jones’ contract extension is in the balance.

The England international has struggled for game time this season. That, coupled with his unimpressive performances, do not make a good case for his contract to be extended before it expires.