Fresh from the boost of signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ed Woodward now wants to turn his attention to the contracts that are expiring soon, with as many as nine players entering the final year of their deals. (Manchester Evening News)

Some are big names including Juan Mata, Ander Herrera, Luke Shaw and Daley Blind. The others are relatively low-key but of promising youngsters – Paddy McNair, Tyler Blackett, Andreas Pereira and Tom Thorpe.

All these players’ deals will technically expire next year although there is an option of an additional year. That’s one of the biggest changes Woodward brought to the player’s contracts giving an enhanced power to the club in an era where players are ready to force through moves.

That is one of the reasons why the Red Devils were not forced into any action when Barcelona were rumored to be interested in our star midfielder Herrera. The player is reported to be a target for the Catalans although there is calm within the Old Trafford management that the Basque midfielder would extend his contract.

Herrera had his share of problems under Louis van Gaal but under Mourinho became an established first-team player and is focused on continuing his career at Old Trafford.

Mata too is not looking to rock the boat and is happy to stay at the club where he gradually developed into his own. Another player with a contract situation is Marouane Fellaini whose deal got extended because of this clause in January. The Belgian midfielder has 10 months left on his contract now but is a Mourinho-type player and should earn his extension.

There is considerable doubt over the future of Shaw though as the left-back was criticized last season for his attitude by Mourinho. Interest in Danny Rose’s situation at Tottenham Hotspur makes things interesting but Shaw himself wants to stay and prove his worth to the manager.

Blind too is a very worthy squad member and his contract extension should be routine. It would be interesting to see how Pereira’s situation pans out as the youngster is weighing options for his long-term future.

Overall, it promises to be an exciting sequence of events for Woodward after the transfer window closes.