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That would deny European qualification via the league, leaving FA Cup glory next weekend as the club's only shot at earning a Europa League spot.

United will already save a significant amount through Erik ten Hag's failure to retain his side's Champions League status this term.

He has joined the players in taking a 25 per cent pay cut as a direct result, as has also occurred in previous such cases, and that is just the start of a summer of saving, as well as spending.

United will reportedly listen to offers for almost all senior players, barring Andre Onana, Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.

No European football would be all the more reason to conduct a much-needed exodus of under-performing and ageing talent as part of a fresh start on the pitch as well as off it.

Watch all the Premier League and Champions League drama unfold on TNT Sports

Tom Heaton, Brandon Williams, Jonny Evans and Anthony Martial are expected to leave in the same circumstances, and Sofyan Amrabat's loan won't be made permanent.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils are said to be ready to cash in on Casemiro, Donny van de Beek, Hannibal Mejbri, Facundo Pellistri, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood.

Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire are entering the final 12 months of their current deals along with Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Christian Eriksen.

While McTominay and Maguire are in the shop window like last summer, they are considered the least likely to leave of the five. It would be a surprise if Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof and Eriksen remained.

If United offload all nine stars alongside the six free exits, it will save around PS103million in annual salaries, which, on top of transfer fees, will go a long way in funding the start of the INEOS era.

Big earners like Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford are expected to stay put with other important players. But a blockbuster departure from either would significantly bolster that total.

The M16 giants have grown a reputation for their inability to sell fringe players across the last mediocre decade. That is another aspect of the job that Ratcliffe must improve.