While much of the focus at Old Trafford is on who Manchester United could be signing before transfer deadline day, new manager Erik ten Hag is still open to letting some players go.
However, the Red Devils boss appears to have ruled out exits for three rather forgotten men in his squad. Phil Jones, Axel Tuanzebe and Brandon Williams may all be unavailable to feature on the pitch right now, but Ten Hag has strongly hinted that none of the defensive trio are heading out the door.
"Am I expecting more players to go out? It can be [possible]," the Dutch tactician explained during his pre-match news conference ahead of United's trip to Southampton on Saturday. "But who you are talking about, they are in this moment not available. So I don't think they will go out in this window."
Jones remains the joint-longest serving member of the Red Devils' squad, having signed all the way back in the summer of 2011. Tuanzebe and Williams graduated from the club's academy but have seen their first-team opportunities limited after spending last season on loan.
Many of their teammates could still find themselves on the chopping block, though, so let's take a look.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Chief among the stars who could be set to wave goodbye to Old Trafford is none other than Ronaldo. The superstar is still pining for a departure but is yet to find a suitable destination, with Napoli the latest club to be contacted by his trusted agent, Jorge Mendes.
Ronaldo is desperate to play Champions League football but clubs around Europe aren't as keen to pay his eye-watering wages. The 37-year-old has reportedly been showing his frustrations behind the scenes at United's training ground, causing Ten Hag a headache over whether to maintain his previously unwavering 'not for sale' stance.
Antony Elanga
Having been brought off at half-time during United's epic 2-1 victory over Liverpool on Monday, Elanga has this week been tipped for a season-long loan move to Everton. The Sweden international would certainly be a useful squad player for Ten Hag, but the potential £84million signing of Antony from Ajax would undoubtedly dent his hopes of earning more minutes than in his breakout 2021-22 campaign.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
One man who Ten Hag doesn't seem to fancy is Wan-Bissaka , who made a cameo against Liverpool and looks to be surplus to requirements after clearly becoming Diogo Dalot 's right-back deputy. Former club Crystal Palace are the favourites to sign him, with their mooted £10m offer just a fifth of what they forced United to pay in 2019.
Tahith Chong
Chong is another winger expected to depart either on a permanent basis or in a loan deal, having impressed at Birmingham City last season before inured halted his progress. The 22-year-old has time on his side, but the fact he's so far down in the pecking order at his parent club puts him well and truly on the path to another departure.
Amad
Spending the second half of last term with Scottish giants Rangers, Ten Hag has reportedly decided that a second temporary move away would be best for Amad's development. The Ivorian could cost the Red Devils as much as £37m if he succeeds at Old Trafford, having been brought in from Serie A side Atalanta by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as one for the future two years ago.
James Garner
Perhaps the most disappointing name on this list for Red Devils fans is midfield prodigy Garner, who's surprisingly been made available for a transfer. Despite starring for Nottingham Forest last time out during their spectacular return to the Premier League, and central midfield being a problem area for United, the academy graduate is set to leave permanently.
Old Trafford chiefs are said to be demanding £14m, potentially a bargain for the likes of Everton, who're believed to be leading the race. Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton have also been linked with interest, as well as cash-splashing Forest.
Get involved! Who should Man Utd sell before deadline day? Join the debate in the comments section.
Hannibal Mejbri
Firmly in the Red Devils' plans for the future, Hannibal is also courting plenty of interest this summer. So much so that, according to reports from Spain, Gerard Pique 's FC Andorra have launched a £21million bid for him. However, United would likely prefer a first loan move for the Tunisia international after showing signs of promise in pre-season.
Able to play in a variety of midfield and forward positions, staying at the club beyond September 1 may lead to Hannibal making a slew of first-team appearances. Still, a season-long switch to the second tier would also be beneficial, as Championship sides such as West Bromwich Albion and Birmingham circle for his sought-after signature.
