Manchester United are starting to get squad management decisions right with contract call

New Year's Day could have dawned with an influx of contract offers for some Manchester United players. Several members of this squad are now free to negotiate deals with overseas clubs for a free transfer in the summer.

The reality is likely to be a little different. United have taken the one-year option on the contract of Victor Lindelof, a 29-year-old low-maintenance centre-back who isn't a particularly high earner and would have admirers across the continent for those reasons.

In the case of the six other first-team squad members out of contract in 2024, United haven't yet activated options or sought extensions. For a club that has made a habit of offering unnecessary contracts to protect unlikely valuations, it is an improvement in decision-making when it comes to squad management.

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Perhaps the most pressing of that sextet is Hannibal Mejbri. The 20-year-old might fall short of making it as a regular at Old Trafford, but there is resale value there. Borussia Dortmund were keen to sign him in the summer and a sale might be considered this year, particularly when financial fair play concerns are again likely to dominate.

At the other end of the age spectrum, goalkeeper Tom Heaton turns 38 in April. He was wanted by Luton Town in the summer and would have been first-choice at Kenilworth Road, with the Hatters willing to pay around £1.5million, but Erik ten Hag refused to sanction the move.

Jonny Evans turns 36 tomorrow and has proved to be a shrewd addition this season, given the injuries in defence. Nobody would have expected him to start nine Premier League games this season, but he has performed