Man Utd’s culture push sees four exits after attitude claims

Manchester United’s new cultural regime, overseen by former captain Michael Carrick, has already seen four high‑profile departures – Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Cristiano Ronaldo and Romelu Lukaku – after managers and teammates branded them as having ‘bad attitudes’ and being ‘unprofessional’ through the 2026/27 season.

Comments Sport’s senior Sports Writer Abbie Meehan recorded the story at 07:00 on 05 Sep 2026, noting that Michael Carrick has worked hard to restore the culture at Man Utd. View 5 Images accompany the piece, including a photo labelled Image.

Garnacho’s rise and fall

Alejandro Garnacho burst onto the scene with ten goal contributions in his first full season, yet captain Bruno Fernandes warned in November 2022 that the Argentina international lacked the correct attitude. The young winger later criticised manager Ruben Amorim for benching him in the Europa League final, then left United for Chelsea in a £40m deal before joining Aston Villa on loan with an obligation to buy for a similar sum.

Jadon Sancho arrived in 2021 for a £73m fee from Borussia Dortmund, but he spent much of his tenure on loan and ultimately departed when his contract expired this summer.

Ronaldo, Lukaku and the cultural reset

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell produced 24 goals before a fallout with Erik ten Hag led to his contract being terminated ahead of the 2022 World Cup. He later voiced criticism of the club in a Piers Morgan interview, prompting teammate Christian Eriksen to stress that football will go on and that the dressing‑room atmosphere has improved.

Romelu Lukaku, another senior star, also felt the wrath of teammates and pundits, joining the list of United players whose departures were welcomed as part of Carrick’s cultural clean‑up.

Since taking charge, Carrick has recorded one win and one loss in the 2026/27 Premier League and secured a return to Champions League football, hoping the early feel‑good factor will endure after his interim spell that guided United to third place.

The departures have been described as a relief for the Old Trafford dressing‑room, where the club has long struggled with attitude issues among high‑profile signings. Carrick’s cultural overhaul aims to restore unity and focus as United prepares for Champions League fixtures.

Carrick, who played alongside Ronaldo during his playing career, hopes to avoid any major dressing‑room issues that plagued previous seasons.