Manchester United have now announced the 2026 retained list, and following this, there are some youngsters who still need clarity on their futures.
It wasn’t just Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, and Tyrell Malacia who weren’t on Manchester United’s 2026 retained list; some academy players also saw their contracts expire.
Sonny Aljofree has left United, as he announced last month on social media. As has Malachi Sharpe, who also confirmed this himself.
James Bailey’s contract has also been allowed to expire, as the 18-year-old spent most of 2026 at Stockport County anyway. Dermott Mee has been offered a new deal as the fourth-choice goalkeeper, but two other United youth players are also in line for new deals.
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Albert Mills and Dante Plunkett set to sign new contracts at Manchester United
For Albert Mills and Dante Plunkett, this could have been the end of the line, but United have decided against this.
Steven Railston of Manchester Evening News has claimed that the duo were not on the retained list but won’t be departing.
Both Mills and Plunkett are set to sign their first professional contracts with United in July once they report back for pre-season.
Last season was excellent for Mills as he was a mainstay in Darren Fletcher’s side. Mills also earned an England U18 call-up alongside Yuel Helafu.
Meanwhile, Plunkett had a solid campaign and was rewarded with a senior Jamaica call-up.
Getting both on professional deals is the right call from United.
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Godwill Kukonki yet to sign a new contract for United
Mills and Plunkett will be signing, but there remains concern over Godwill Kukonki, as he has yet to sign a professional deal at Old Trafford.
18 months after Kukonki was tipped to break records, he has yet to get that opportunity in the first-team.
Kukonki was offered a new deal in March 2025, but on the retained list, there was no mention of this, which could mean he is able to leave this summer.
Nathan Salt of The Daily Mail added that the lack of news on this will raise eyebrows.
Losing Kukonki would be a big blow for United, given his talent amid rumours Ajax are keen.
However, a reliable United academy source, Sully on X, has claimed United intend to sign him to a new deal in due course.
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