The next day, the Manchester United team updated their website and confirmed a series of departures as the club reshapes its squad for the upcoming season.
Permanent Transfers:
Patrice Evra → Juventus (€7 million)
The experienced left-back moves to Serie A, where he will continue his career with Juventus.
Jonny Evans → West Bromwich Albion (€4 million)
The Northern Ireland international joins West Brom in search of regular first-team football.
Alexander Büttner → Netherlands (€2 million)
The Dutch full-back returns to his homeland following limited opportunities at United.
Bébé → Benfica (€3 million)
The Portuguese forward moves to Benfica after an underwhelming spell at United.Loan Deals:
Nick Powell → Wigan Athletic (Loan)
The young midfielder will spend the season at Wigan to gain valuable game time.
Tom Cleverley → Everton (€2 million loan fee, €8 million buyout clause)
Everton secures Cleverley on an initial loan with an option to make the deal permanent.
Adnan Januzaj → Everton (Loan)
The talented youngster reunites with David Moyes for a season-long loan.
Fábio da Silva → Aston Villa (Loan, €5 million buyout clause)
The Brazilian full-back joins Villa on a loan deal, with an option for a permanent move.
With these departures, United clear space in the squad and generate funds for further reinforcements.
As Jonny Evans opted for a guaranteed starting role at West Brom rather than fighting for his place at Manchester United, the departure list continued to grow. Evra, Anderson, Büttner, and Cleverley were all set to leave. Watching the mass exodus, Danny Welbeck couldn't shake the uneasy feeling settling in his chest. He had grown up at United, but something felt off—this wasn't the club he knew anymore.
That night, he picked up the phone and called his agent. "I've made up my mind," Welbeck said firmly.
His agent didn't sound surprised. "Good. Wenger is very interested. Arsenal could be the perfect place for you, Danny. You'll get the development and playing time you need."
Welbeck knew he wasn't in Tiger's long-term plans as Tiger hadn't had a conversation with him. He wanted to leave peacefully, without unnecessary drama. The next morning, he called a press conference and addressed the media.
"I've given my all for this club," Welbeck stated, his voice steady. "But I believe it's time for a new challenge. I don't want any conflict. I just hope the club understands my decision."
The moment his agent was spotted negotiating with Arsenal, the media erupted. Sun reporter Andrew Wolfe wasted no time in launching a scathing attack on Tiger.
"The new gaffer hasn't even met his squad, and he's already losing control! First Evans, now Welbeck! How long before the dressing room completely turns on him?"
The headlines spread like wildfire. The pressure mounted. Seeing the backlash, David Beckham decided to step in.
He picked up the phone and dialed Paul Scholes. "What's happening over there?" Beckham asked, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity.
Scholes, unfazed, reassured him. "Becks, this was all planned. We knew some players wanted out. Welbeck was a surprise. We wanted him to take over from van Persie in a year. Replacements are already lined up. De Gea is staying. The only question now is Rooney."
Beckham's voice grew serious. "Let me handle that."
A few moments later, Wayne Rooney answered the phone, slightly taken aback. "Becks?"
"Wayne," Beckham said warmly, "I know you're thinking about leaving. I get it. But let me remind you of something. You're the heart of this club. The soul of United. Don't look at the price tags of these new players— judge their potential before making a decision. If things don't work out, you can leave late in the summer. But right now, United needs you."
Rooney was silent, deep in thought. Beckham's words carried weight. If anyone understood what it meant to be doubted, it was Beckham. He hadn't always been Ferguson's favorite, but he had fought for his place. Just like Tiger was doing now.
That night, Rooney made his decision. The next morning, he released a statement:
"I'm not going anywhere. United is my home, and I'm here to help through this transition. I have high hopes for the squad."
His declaration sent shockwaves through the media. Before the dust could settle, David De Gea followed up with his own statement.
"The rumors about Real Madrid are false. I'm staying."
As the morale in the dressing room started to shift, Ryan Giggs knew he had to act. He made a series of calls—to Vidic, Valencia, Young, Carrick, and Ferdinand.
"We need to step up," Giggs told them. "The media is turning on the gaffer before he even gets a chance. If we're backing him, let's make it known."
One by one, they stepped forward. Valencia, Young, and Phil Jones made the boldest statement yet—they announced they would be cutting their vacations short to start preseason early.
United wasn't just a club—it was a legacy. And the old guard had just drawn the battle lines.
The drama had only just begun.
Summer Transaction Status
Transfers In
1. Marcos Alonso (Age = 23) - LB - Free Transfer - Five Year Contract
2. Dele Alli (Age = 16) - Midfielder - Free Transfer - Joined the Youth Team
3. Leroy Sane (Age = 17)- The Next No. 7 - 800,000 Euros
4. Joshua Kimmich (Age = 18) - Young German Defender - 1,000,000 Euros
5. Virgil van Dijk (Age = 22) - CB - 5,000,000 Euros
6. Marco Asensio (Age = 17) - Nimble Attacking Midfielder - 1,000,000 Euros
7. Eric Bailley (Age = 19) - CB - 2,500,000 Euros
8. N'Golo Kanté (Age = 22) - Defensive Midfielder - CDM - Free Transfer
9. Riyad Mahrez (Age = 22) - Replacing Ryan Giggs - LW - 500,000 Euros
10. Anthony Martial (Age = 18) - Forward - 6,000,000 Euros
11. Ousmane Dembele (Age = 16) - Forward - 1,000,000
12. Naby Keïta (Age = 18) - CDM - Free Transfer
13. Benjamin Mendy (Age = 18) - LB - 4,000,000 Euros
14. Wild Card Entry Wilfried Zaha - Forward - 15,000,000 Euros
15. Allison Becker (Age = 21) - GK - 2,000,000 Euros
16. Toby Alderweireld (Age = 23) - CB - 7,000,000 Euros
Total Amount Spent = 44.8 Million Euros
Transfers Out
1. Patrice Evra - To Juventus - 7,000,000 Euros
2. Jonny Evans - To West Bromwich Albion - 4,000,000 Euros
3. Alexander Buttner - To Netherlands - 2,000,000 Euros
4. Bebe - To Benfica - 3,000,000 Euros
Loan Deals
1. Tom Cleverley - to Everton
2. Adnan Januzaj - To Everton
3. Nick Powell - To Wigan Athletic
4. Fabio da Silva - To Aston Villa
Total Amount Gained = 16,000,000 Euros
Pending Transfer Budget = 21.2 Million Euros