Man Utd player 'rejects contract' and could leave in blow to Erik ten Hag ahead of new season

One Manchester United player has dealt Erik ten Hag a significant blow by refusing to sign a new contract with the club.

Having triggered the one-year extension in Ten Hag's contract to end speculation regarding the manager's future, United have turned attentions to strengthening their squad.

United only managed to secure an eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season, but they qualified for the UEFA Europa League thanks to winning the FA Cup.

Squad reinforcements were clearly needed, especially in defence and attack.

Raphael Varane and Brandon Williams departed the club upon the expiration of their contracts, while Sofyan Amrabat - who plugged gaps in midfield and on occasion defence - has returned to Fiorentina after an unsuccessful loan spell at Old Trafford.

After playing just 21 minutes for United last season, Donny van de Beek is set to join La Liga side Girona, while Mason Greenwood could be on his way to Marseille.

United look set to secure the signings of defender Matthijs de Ligt and striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bayern Munich and Bologna respectively, and are attempting to snatch a promising winger from under the noses of Real Madrid.

However, United may need to bring in some more defenders following Willy Kambwala's refusal to sign a new contract.

19-year-old centre-back Kambwala made his Premier League debut last season, stepping up for United amid a defensive injury crisis.

He ended up making eight league appearances and two in the FA Cup, and looked set to be a regular fixture in Ten Hag's squad next term.

However, according to journalist Christopher Michel, Kambwala has rejected an offer to extend his contract, which is currently set to expire next summer.

To avoid losing the defender for free in 2025, United could entertain enquiries from clubs in France, Germany, Spain and the United States.

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