According to a report by Manchester Evening News on Thursday July 2, 2026, seven Manchester United players have officially entered the final year of their contracts following the start of the 2026/27 football season, leaving the club with key decisions to make over their futures.

With football contracts typically running until June 30, the arrival of July means several first-team players are now in the last 12 months of their current deals. Unless new agreements are reached, they will be eligible to leave as free agents at the end of the season.

The players entering the final year of their contracts are club captain Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Altay Bayindir, Harry Maguire, Toby Collyer and veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

Manchester United, however, have extension options in several of those contracts. The club can activate a further 12 months for Fernandes, Martinez, Bayindir and Collyer if required.

Maguire, who signed a contract extension in April, is also covered by an option that could keep him at Old Trafford until 2028.

Luke Shaw's situation differs from the others as his current contract does not include an extension clause. As a result, United will need to decide this season whether to offer the defender a new long-term deal or risk losing him when his contract expires next summer.

The report also notes that transfer regulations will allow players with expiring contracts to begin negotiating pre-contract agreements with overseas clubs from January 2027 if new deals have not been agreed.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have officially confirmed the departures of Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia following the expiration of their contracts at the end of June.

Among the players entering the final year of their deals, Fernandes is widely expected to be a priority for a new contract. The Portuguese midfielder remains United's captain and enjoyed another impressive Premier League campaign last season.

Martinez is also viewed as an important member of the squad after continuing his strong performances on the international stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The futures of Bayindir, Collyer, Maguire and Heaton are expected to be assessed as the season progresses, with the club weighing their roles in the squad alongside its long-term plans.