Tom Cleverley heads the list of released players at Manchester United. The 25 year old midfielder was highly rated by Everton manager Roberto Martinez while he was in charge of Wigan Athletic and had the United man on loan with him.
Cleverley spent last season on loan with Aston Villa as they narrowly avoided relegation and played at Wembley on May 30 in the FA Cup final.
Ben Amos was unable to force his way into the United team but the 25-year old goalkeeper most recently played for Bolton Wanderers on loan last season but has also played for Carlisle, Hull, Oldham. and Peterborough.
Victor Valdes will be able to challenge David De Gea for a first team spot but continual rumours about the future of the Spanish stopper have given way to speculation about bids for Spurs ‘keeper Hugo Lloris or Chelsea’s Petr Cech who has been promised a move to the club of his choice by Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
If Real Madrid come in for De Gea, United will face the unwanted distraction of having to replace one of their best players of last season while trying to plan for a two pronged assault on domestic silverware and a successful run in the Champions League.
22 year old Tom Thorpe was tipped to break through into the first team but the U21 captain, who led his side to the U-21 title this season, instead saw team mates Tyler Blackett and Paddy McNair given high profile roles in the first team squad.
Thorpe even missed out on contract offers to some of his U-21 team mates meaning he was released this summer after his existing deal expired.
United have already lost the services of on-loan striker Radamel Falcao who has returned to parent club Monaco while Robin Van Persie, who will be 32 in August, had a season to forget after a series of injuries and loss of form. Van Persie is entering the final year of his current United deal and the only other cover for captain Wayne Rooney is 19-year old James Wilson.
As well as attacking talent, Manchester United now need to boost their squad in general with players to ensure that they will be ready for the Champions League should they qualify for the group stage.
MAN UTD RELEASED PLAYERS
Ben Amos
Tom Cleverley (Everton)
Callum Evans
Ryan McConnell
Tom Thorpe